£2,550.00
During World War I, trench watches became essential tools for officers and soldiers, bridging the gap between traditional pocket watches and modern wristwatches. Among these, the 9ct gold center seconds trench watch stands out as a particularly rare and desirable variant. While most trench watches of the era featured small sub-seconds dials at the 6 o’clock position, center seconds models were far less common, as they required more complex movements often associated with medical or military timing applications. These watches were typically produced in small numbers, making surviving examples highly sought after by collectors. The use of 9ct gold for the case was also unusual, as most military-issue timepieces prioritized durability over luxury, further emphasizing the exclusivity of this particular model.
The rarity of center seconds trench watches can be attributed to both their technical challenges and the specific needs of their users. Unlike the conventional sub-seconds design, a center seconds movement required additional gearing and was often reserved for precision timing tasks, such as those performed by military doctors or artillery officers who needed to synchronize actions with precision.
The fact that a 9ct gold case was used suggests that this watch was likely a private purchase rather than standard issue, possibly belonging to a high-ranking officer or an individual with means. Today, these watches are cherished pieces of horological history, representing both the evolution of wristwatches during wartime and the unique craftsmanship of early 20th-century watchmakers.
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1949 Omega Seamaster 2518 in 14ct Gold
