Original Item: Only One Available. Prior to the First World War most men still carried pocket watches attached to a chain. Wrist watches were known as “wristlets”, mainly worn as ladies jewelry. The trench warfare of the First World War meant that men needed a watch that could be seen easily. The original “trench watches” were often pocket watches that had been customized to fit onto a leather bracelet. After seeing demand for wristwatches skyrocket, Swiss companies such as the Langendorf Watch Company, which owned Lancet, designed watchcases with lugs that could be attached to a strap.

When World War I began in 1914, soldiers faced a novel problem. In the chaos on and off the battlefield where precise timing was integral to routines, communications, and synchronizing attacks, reliable and accurate timepieces were vital. Many officers had pocket watches, but these had many shortcomings on the battlefield. They were cumbersome to pull out and to open the protective lid with gloved hands, requiring officers to pause their duties. The dials were impossible to read at night and the glass crystals broke easily. In a setting where a second could be the difference between life and death, it was clear that an alternative was needed. Thus, in the muddy trenches of the First World War, the wrist-watch was born.

Towards the end of the war in 1918, trench watches had become a symbol of courage and bravery, which signaled their push towards the mainstream and opened up a mass market in the post-war era.

The dial of the watch is marked with LANCET underneath the 12 at the top. The watch measures approximately 1 ⅜” in diameter with a total length of 9 ½” including the leather strap. The watch and straps are in great COSMETIC condition, but unfortunately is currently not functioning. The watch back is on a hinge but is seized and now stuck closed, unable to be opened. We have not made any attempts to open the watch to look at the mechanics, due to not wanting to risk damaging the watch.

The shrapnel protector looks to be made from nickel alloy, and is marked with PAT.PEND.DUO on the right side on the inside. The guard snaps into place and sits firmly on the face of the watch without any movement.

This is a fantastic example of a WWI Trench Watch with Shrapnel Guard. Comes more than ready to be repaired and displayed!