1914 Waltham Shadow Box” Military Dial, Nickel Case , 7 Jewel Fixed Lug / WW1 / Trench watch.

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$917.00

• Details
  Let me introduce you to a hard to find treasure. 1914, the start of WW1, Waltham was making watches for our “Doughboys” to better equip themselves. This has a hidden characteristic that many people will miss. This is the only one I have offered in 20 years of collecting and restoring. Read On for more…….
  
  
  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. It is a true story of events that took place during the 1920’s. Since that introduction into the film industry, I supplied watches for a remake of a classic that is being finished up as we speak.
  
  
  I have been an avid vintage watch collector for years. My soft spot is 1900-1935 American watches. with a particular focus on Trench Watches. would,you consider yourself a novice, part time collector or serious collector? when you look at this watch what is absent ?
  
  
  I have an active collection of about 60 pieces. I am constantly refining my collection as time ticks by. as each year ticks by I become more and more selective.
  
  
  The ones that I do not wear very much get sold for other watches that may be hard to find. All my watches for sale are in above average condition, some are pristine.
  
  
  I pride myself in offering the best quality and reasonable prices. Remember, "Price is what you pay, value is what you
  
  
  
  I added a custom made 16MM open ended watch band with heavy clips. it has the red lining at my request.
  
  
  
  1914 The US had just entered WW1 ! This is a marvelous example of a Trench Watch or what is also known as a WW1 watch worn by the Doughboys of WW1. This is a 7 jewel.
  
  
  Look at the inside case back, see how it has Nickel stamped on it, this helps identified this as a genuine model. This is a solid nickel case, this means it was built to withstand the rigors of duty. Have you figured out what is different as compared to most Waltham Shadow Box Numbered Dials.
  
  
  
  The case measures approximately 32MM wide
  
  
  The 3/0 movement has been serviced. The size of this movement is getting harder to find. The more common 0 size are much easier to find, just another feature about this watch that makes it special
  
  
  
  This model is referred as the Military WW1 watch with a beautiful “Shadow Box” military dial. This dial style is the traditional configuration for WW1 watch designs.
  
  
  Let me share what I know about Trench watches and how they came about. Trench watches were a result of a need in ingenuity in watch making.
  
  
  You see, trench watches were ladies pocket movements repackaged into watch cases that had fixed wire lugs that leather band / strap threaded through the back
  
  
  The usual watch movement sizes that were used were 3/0 and 0 sizes. Then within those movement sizes were the jewel counts. The 7 jeweled movements was the most prolific WW1 movement manufactured in numbers. The movements had serial numbers that would enable the consumer to track its production date, production quantity and specification. This watch dates to 1917 through its movement serial number.
  
  
  Movement manufacturers: the American manufactures were Waltham, Elgin, Illinois and Hamilton. Waltham and Elgin being the two manufactures who produced the most quantity. Illinois had a short lived history that was distinguished in the watch world.
  
  
  Here is where the creative thought comes into play. In the early 1910’s the independent jeweler would place an order for a movement, that movement order would be dependent upon social position of the potential buyer. If he was middle class they might order a 7 jewel movement and have it installed in a white or yellow gold filled. If they came from money, they might of order a 17 or 19 jeweled movement and install it in a solid gold case. This approach was the genesis of the wrist watch today.
  
  
  It is not uncommon to see the same watch movement in a gold filled case, sterling silver case or solid gold case. The case manufactures were Dennison, Philadelphia, Keystone, Wadsworth, BB Royal to name a few. This was the beginning of wrist watches.
  
  
  Take a close look at the watch. This is the first time I have ever offered a Military Shadow Box Dial WITHOUT a second hand. I have never had one before.
  
  Grade: No. 361
  
  
  Manufacturer:
  
  
  Manufacturer Location: Waltham, Massachusetts
  
  
  Movement Serial Number: 19847681
  
  
  Grade: No. 361
  
  
  Model: 1907
  
  
  Estimated Production Year: 1914
  
  
  Run Quantity: 6,000
  
  
  Grade/Model Run: 19 of 104 on
  
  
  Grade/Model Total Production: 817,001
  
  
  Size: 3/0s
  
  
  Jewels: 7 Jewel
  
  
  Movement Configuration:
  
  
  Movement Finish: Nickel
  
  
  Movement Setting: Pendant
  
  
  Plate: 3/4 Plate
  
  
  Hairspring: Breguet
  
  
  Adjusted: No
  
  
  Railroad Grade: No
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