1920 Elgin Trench Watch, Red 12, Cushion Case

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$657.00

• Details
  I have been selling on Etsy for 10+ years now. This is a watch that summarizes my sweet spot for vintage watches. I love the Trench Watch period. The time that wrist watches were just starting to become commercially available, and men and women were starring to wear them as an everyday item. It's hard to think that the wristwatch is only approximately 100+ years old
  
  
  
  Think 1920, think 105 years young. This watch is over a century old and looks great for a generational watch. This is a 3/0 size, it is a harder size to source today, there were many more made in the 0 size.
  
  
  
  This watch epitomizes the Trench watch period. Wristwatches were less than 5-7 years a socially acceptable wrist accessory. This is a stunning survivor.
  
  
  
  1914. The year that WW1 started. The conflict would wager on for 4 years of despair, anguish and loss of life in the pursuit of freedom
  
  
  
  This example is a traditional version shaped in a cushion case. This offering has the “Bold Military Dial with a bright “Red 12” that pops off the beautiful white background. Absolutely stunning! The red 12 has always been highly coveted. In addition, the dial has luminous market dots for the hours, see pictures
  
  
  
  This style has its DNA rooted into the Trench/ WW1 Watch!
  
  
  
  By definition, What is a WW1 / Trench Watch
  
  
  
  Read below how “Trench Watches” were founded.
  
  
  
  WW1 for those history buffs was from 28 July 1914 to 11 November 1918.
  
  
  
  This watch has the following
  
  
  
  Complete Service August 2025
  
  
  
  New Crystal
  
  
  
  Hand Polished Case
  
  
  
  Professional Dial Refinish
  
  
  
  New Watch Band
  
  
  
  What is a ”Trench Watch”, for those who don’t know here is a brief explanation.
  
  
  
  What are WW1 or Trench watches? 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.
  
  
  
  They often have some of the following characteristics:
  
  
  
  Fixed or Wire Lug or early spring bar option A traditional spring bar attachment as found in today’s watches.
  
  
  
  Remember that, this is not a new case, although I have tried my best to restore this treasure to its former glory, I think I did a great job. It does have some gentle pry marks by the opening lip.
  
  
  
  This is a traditional Cushion shaped case popular during the wristwatch transition period. This is the period that they were recasing ladies and small pocket watches into wristwatch cases as the “wristwatch” was staring to be socially acceptable! I affectionately call it MacGyverism at its best
  
  
  
  This is a classic example of the early transition. The case is in remarkable condition considering it is close to 100 years young. I have hand polished it with Simichrome, a gentle paste that removes years of oxidation but does not strip away material that a buffing machine can do.
  
  
  
  His dial design is my favorite! The classic Red 12 Arabic Dial Configuration. A stunning classic, timeless dial design. It is elegant for a special dinner or at home in the grocery store.
  
  
  
  Grade: 462
  
  
  
  Manufacturer: Elgin
  
  
  
  Manufacturer Location: Elgin, Illinois
  
  
  
  Movement Serial Number: 22092349
  
  
  
  Grade: 462
  
  
  
  Model: 2
  
  
  
  Estimated Production Year: 1920
  
  
  
  Run Quantity: 7,000
  
  
  
  Grade/Model Run: 24 of 133
  
  
  
  
  Size: 3/0 size
  
  
  
  Jewels: 7
  
  
  
  Movement Configuration: Hunting
  
  
  
  Movement Finish: Nickel
  
  
  
  Movement Setting: Pendant
  
  
  
  Plate: 3/4 Plate
  
  
  
  Double Roller: Yes
  
  
  
  The watch band is a brand new open ended Black ” color, 19MM finished out in a stainless steel buckle to match the case color.
  
  
  
  I love the oversized crown, another small detail that I love about this era of wrist watches.
  
  
  
  I will package like a glass sculpture to insure safe delivery. Please use the pictures as part of the description. If you have a question, please ask, if you need additional pics, email me. I am proud of this watch and I don’t think it will stay long. I hope it goes to a good hone. If it does not sell by March 31, I will pull it and put it in permanent collection as it is too rare and special to linger.
• Shipping & Policies

  Shipping from United States

  Processing time

  1-5 business days

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  Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.

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  • Accepts Etsy gift cards

  Returns & Exchanges

  I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations

  Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery

  Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery

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Conditions of return

Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.

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