Details
Spectacular Rare Waltham 1912 WWI Trench Watch – Half Hunter in Solid Sterling Silver – Restored Masterpiece
If you looked this watch up in the dictionary, it would say: Spectacular. see if you can find some of the more rare features of this offering. See picture 10 for partial explanation of origin.
I’m thrilled to offer a truly rare and exceptional piece—an original early 20th-century “Half Hunter” Trench Watch in solid sterling silver. This timepiece took four months to fully restore from the ground up, and the results speak for themselves. Watches like this are incredibly hard to source in complete, working, and authentic condition.
Carefully review the front case “Enameling”, the bezel numbers are intact, crisp and easy to read. This watch was lovely taken care of.
I believe this watch originated from Canada. This is due to the detailed personalization on the case back. See the picture as a reference. This is a wry hard to find model half-hunter. If you have not noticed ( how detailed are you) the watch does NOT have. traditional case back. The movement nestles within the case from the front. I have. ever had a “Half-Hunter” like this. the movement is screwed to a “Movement Ring” that beautifully sits down into the case well. What an ingenious architectural design. This design feature achieves a couple of objectives. See picture 10.
Keep Moisture from egressing into the case back
Keep Mother Natures elements from,penetrating the case into the movement
It makes the case more rigid for hard wear
There are two crystals, a porthole bezel crystal and a protective inner crystal.
This is not a mass-produced wristwatch. It’s a survivor—refined, restored, and built for someone who values history, precision, and soul.
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Key Details:
• Style: Half Hunter (a hinged-lid design with a 12.5mm viewing crystal)
• Case: Solid Sterling Silver, manufactured by A.W.C. & Co.
• Dial: Original Military Arabic Dial, marked “Waltham”
• Movement: High-grade Waltham 15 Jewels, Hunting configuration, 0-size, made in 1913
• Band: New black leather open-ended strap with polished yellow buckle
• Size: 34.4mm (10-4 o’clock), 38.1mm including crown
• Age: 112 years old
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What Makes It Special:
This is a genuine WWI-era Trench Watch, built at a time when pocket watch movements were adapted into wristwear for military officers. The case has fixed wire lugs, a hallmark of true trench design, and the lid offers added protection in harsh conditions. These were the watches worn in the trenches of Europe—tough, elegant, and made to last.
The case has been gently polished to restore its natural luster, but I’ve kept its original character intact. There are a few light marks on the silver case—honest signs of age—but no discoloration or deep damage. At 112 years old, it still shines beautifully.
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Restoration Work (Completed June 2025):
• New 12.5mm crystal
• Full overhaul and professional service
• Dial and enamel numerals cleaned and restored for clarity
• Gently cleaned and tuned movement
• New custom open ended strap installed
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Movement Specs
Grade: No. 165
(Alternatively Grade No. 365)
Manufacturer: Waltham
Manufacturer Location: Waltham, Massachusetts
Movement Serial Number: 18928941
Grade: No. 165
Model: 1907
Estimated Production Year: 1913
Run Quantity: 2,000
Grade/Model Run: 49 of 59
Grade/Model Total Production:
Size: 0s
Jewels: 15 Jewel
Movement Configuration: Hunting
Movement Setting: Pendant
Regulator: Patent
Hairspring: Breguet
Adjusted: No
Railroad Grade: No
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Why This Watch?
Watches like this don’t come around often—especially not in this condition. I’ve seen only a few in recent years, and fewer still with this level of care and authenticity. If you’re after a flawless case, you’ll pay significantly more. But if you’re looking for originality, history, and quality craftsmanship, this is the one.
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This watch needs a good home. Could that be you?
I don’t just sell watches—I restore them with purpose, care, and passion. I back every sale and stay available before and after your purchase. You’re not just buying a timepiece. You’re becoming a caretaker of history.
If you have questions or want more photos, just ask. I also have an 18k gold trench watch available for serious collectors.
Thanks for looking—and for supporting independent watch restoration.