WWI Trench Watch Case Back Inscriptions
Yesterday I did a podcast with Timley_Moments (Instagram) and the subject of WWI trench watch case back inscriptions came up. Here are just a few of my favorites that have come across my workbench over the years. Some are simple while others are quite elaborate. I was able to research every one of these watches and their original owners, the stories they told were absolutely amazing! Some of these men did not make it back home, two were killed in airplane crashes while honorably serving their country, (Lt. Poague and Lt. Stewart). Have a great watch with a case back inscription? Please share.
Recipient of the 2023 NAWCC Roberts-Taylor Award for Excellence in the Field of Horological Research. Multiple Title Watch Book Author, Vintage American Military Watch Dealer, Watchmaker.
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They are some beautiful case backs. I just love the history and stories that come with these incredible watches, so thank you for sharing 👍
Where can I find your pod cast??
They are some beautiful case backs. I just love the history and stories that come with these incredible watches, so thank you for sharing 👍
Where can I find your pod cast??
Thank you! I believe the podcast will be up by Saturday or Sunday. The podcast host was @timely_moments (Instagram), Info can be found in his Bio.
Super neat, thank you so much for sharing. Any chance you have a picture of the front of that watch from “The boys of the CA theatre orchestra”? The case is really intriguing!
Super neat, thank you so much for sharing. Any chance you have a picture of the front of that watch from “The boys of the CA theatre orchestra”? The case is really intriguing!
Circle T, here you go.
Circle T, here you go.
Well they don’t make ‘em like that anymore. She’s a beaut!
I know of a woman that wanted to get her man a "nice" watch to be engraved. I had to relay the sad fact that the overwhelming majority of new watches have corny windows in the back that prevent this.
Surely there are people that will say they'd rather look at Cotes de Geneve striping and some escapement twitching over this. I would make the distinction that these are probably hand engraved, freehand. The designs are more inspired than in the modern day, and the artistry and execution generally superior. I wouldn't know where to get similar engraving done today, and I'd surely blanche at the cost.
Here is one I own, I researched it and found the owner was torpedoed in the Mediterranean less than a month later after receiving the watch. He survived.
His wife also served with him on the same ship, merchant navy.
Here is one I own, I researched it and found the owner was torpedoed in the Mediterranean less than a month later after receiving the watch. He survived.
His wife also served with him on the same ship, merchant navy.
Great Waltham and an incredible inscription!
They are some beautiful case backs. I just love the history and stories that come with these incredible watches, so thank you for sharing 👍
Where can I find your pod cast??
Did you find the podcast episode?