What is a trench watch?

A trench watch is an early wristwatch adapted from pocket watch designs for military use during the First World War. They typically feature secure wire lugs soldered to the case and luminous dials for night visibility. These pieces marked the pivotal shift when men transitioned from pocket timepieces to wearing watches on the wrist during active service.

How do I wind a manual watch?

You wind a manual watch by gently rotating the crown clockwise until you feel slight resistance. Care should be taken not to force it past the stopping point. Doing this daily powers the mainspring and keeps the mechanical movement running accurately throughout the day.

Are these watches waterproof?

Most antique timepieces lack modern rubber gaskets and modern waterproofing technology. Exposure to moisture can damage the delicate internal steel components and ruin paper or painted dials. It is best to keep these vintage items away from water entirely, even if historical terms like hermetic suggest dust resistance.

How do I identify the decade?

The decade can often be identified through stylistic cues such as Art Deco geometric numerals, case shapes, and movement serial numbers. Military pieces often bear broad arrow marks or specific contract dates. Examining the internal calibre and the exterior case design provides reliable clues to the exact manufacturing era.