Gents Silver Helvetia Wrist Watch, 1918

Gents silver Helvetia wrist watch, 1918.

The watch has a good quality 15-jewel, three adjustments, movement which we have identified as a Helvetia. The star on the ratchet wheel indicates Helvetia's early foray into shock protection. The movement is working nicely. The movement is protected by an inner hinged cover.

The watch measures 34mm diameter excluding the winding crown and the lugs. The case is silver and there are hallmarks inside both of the case backs for London (import mark), 1918 with an importer's mark for George Stockwell.

From 1 June 1907, Stockwells acted as assay agents, facilitating the import into Britain of foreign gold and silver items which had to be assayed and hallmarked in a UK assay office before being released for retail.

The case is in good condition for such an early piece, just slight unevenness to the hinged case back. Originally the case would have had fixed wire lugs but these were quite vulnerable and frequently because detached from the case. In this case, the wire lugs have been replaced with sturdy traditional lugs which are much more robust, and it makes the watch much more wearable and practical. From the style of the lugs, this work appears to have been carried out in the 1940s or 50s.

The lens is in lovely condition with just a small manufacturing fault towards the edge.

The dial has blued steel hands, a subsidiary seconds dial and an outer minute track. There is a faint hairline running from the centre towards number 4.

A new leather strap has been fitted.

The watch comes in a new presentation box.

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All of our watches are checked over before listing, and are also checked for accuracy which is usually within around +/- two to three minutes over 24 hours (unless otherwise stated), which is considered respectable for a vintage watch.

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