1915 Elgin Swing Lug 15 Jewel Trench / WW1 Watch

My shop was recently selected to supply vintage American watches for a premier movie starring some major actors and a world famous director. They were looking for authentic watches that would represent the time period from 1915-1926. I was selected because of my attention to detail and originality. It is a true story of events that took place during the 1920’s. What an honor for Vintage Watch Corner. I will share one Actor name, Robert Di Niro! A couple of watches currently listed are being used in the filming as we speak.


It has a lovely dedication / engraving on the back:

Presented To

Wm Phillips ESQ

By the staff at Barclays Bank L.

Tredegar

Upon his removal to

Commercial St Newport

(Mon) Branch

July 1920


1915 Elgin rare 15 jewel Jewel Sterling Silver “Swing Lug” WW1 / Trench Watch. Wow, that is a mouthful. It describes a Trench watch that has lugs that articulate. A rare treat for you to consider, not many have survived over the last 100 years! Folks, this is a rare case to survive. Don't wait. They are getting harder and harder to source.


What an incredible offering. How about a Elgin Trench Watch with a bold Red 12 military dial mated to a very rare sterling silver swing lug case. These cases are getting harder and harder to find in extraordinary condition, Keep in mind many watch case from this era are close to 100 years young or more! To find a case this this, well let’s say I got very lucky. My good fortune to your gain.


This is an 3/0 size movement , they are getting much harder to find complete movements today, parts are easy, but not the movements.

History about Trench Watches


What is a “Trench Watch” ?


They were created using 3/0 and 0 size pocket watch movements and installing into watch cases that were meant to worn on the wrist. The watch movement companies would send their movements to independent jewelers, who in turn would select the cases (as described below) to house the movement.


So the ordering process might go like this. A customer walks in to a jeweler, with the help of the jeweler, the customer selects a 15 jeweled movement, then they go on to the case selection. The jeweler may recommend a higher end case manufactures like Depollier, and then it is the style of case as many manufactures had several different styles. Once a complete selection was made, the jeweler put it together and delivered the watch. That is how many Trench Watches (wrist watches) were born in the early 1900's.


The movements often came from women pocket watches because the wristwatch as we know was just being discovered. It is not uncommon to see various movements used in different cases, with various years. Remember the wristwatch was just being developed.


They often have some of the following characteristics:


Fixed or Wire Lug, some rare styles have Swing Lugs: No traditional spring bar attachment as found in today’s watches.
Case Material: Solid Gold / Sterling Silver (925)/ Nickel / Silverode or Gold Filled were used. (This case lid snaps snug on the case. This is important to note as many cases were badly damaged by their owners over the past 100 years. This watch case has been taken care of throughout its 100 years, it is in remarkable shape)


*For more practical purposes, a special alloy was developed which went by several different names, such as, "Silveroid, Silverore, Silverode or Silverine. "Silveroid" appears to have become the standard name for this metal that consisted of 45% nickel, 54% copper and 1% manganese. This metal was fairly hard wearing and could withstand the rigors of everyday use, for instance on the Railroads.


Case Manufactures: There were many case manufacturers that made cases for Trench Watches. Some of the more well know were: Dennison (English Manufacturer) Illinois (not affiliated with the Illinois Watch Company) J Depollier and Sons, Wadsworth, Fahys, Philadelphia, Fortune and many more


WW1 was 1914 to 1918, that is the time frame of many Trench Watches.


One of my favorite trench watch cases from WWI were made by J. Depollier & Son, the English case maker Dennision and the Illinois watch case company These cases had high quality manufacturing details that made them some of the best of their day Dennison cases were available in Nickel, Sterling Silver, 14k Solid Gold, 18k Solid Gold.



This movement was made in 1917. The Illinois case company was consider on of the best watch case manufactures in the watch world. This case is no exception. This is the rare highly sought after case that the case back bezel “threads” on. This design was more expensive to manufacturer; it did a better job of keeping the elements out of the watch. This case is much heavier many ceases from the same time period.


The dial is a rare bold military dial that does have an expected hairline, in is enamel and can get a hairline. It does not take away from the rarity and beauty of the watch, Almost like a badge of honor that says I survived these last hundred years with a small imperfection.


This movement was taken apart and fully service December 2021


The case measures:


34.5MM from 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock


48MM from lug to lug


Grade: 298


Manufacturer: Elgin


Manufacturer Location: Elgin, Illinois


Grade: 415


Manufacturer: Elgin


Manufacturer Location: Elgin, Illinois


Movement Serial Number: 18440959


Grade: 415


Model: 2


Class: 116


Estimated Production Year: 1915


Run Quantity: 2,000


Grade/Model Run: 6 of 8


Total Production: 12,000


Size: 3/0s


Jewels: 15 Jewel


Jewel Setting: Screw-Set


Movement Configuration: Hunting


Movement Finish: Nickel


Movement Setting: Pendant



Please use the pictures as part of the description, ask as many questions as you would like. I am happy to send more pictures of add clarity that you made need. I ship every Wednesday, please keep that in mind when and if you make a purchase.

As you can tell from some of my reviews, I am invested in my customers; you are much more than a transaction.