£1,850.00
The enamel dial trench watches produced by Longines during the 1910s represent a formative stage in the development of the wristwatch, closely tied to the demands of the World War I. At a time when pocket watches were still dominant, the necessity for immediate, hands-free timekeeping led to the widespread adoption of wrist-mounted designs, particularly among officers. Longines, already an established manufacture, produced clear and practical watches defined by their restrained enamel dials, typically with bold Arabic numerals and a subsidiary seconds register, ensuring precise and easily read time indication.
Sterling silver cases, marked .925 and often bearing British import hallmarks, were widely used for examples intended for the UK market. These cases provided a balance between durability and refinement, suited to both military and civilian use. A notable feature of many trench watches from this period is the use of articulated lugs, hinged to the case to allow greater comfort on the wrist and reduce strain on the strap. This detail reflects the transitional nature of early wristwatch construction, as makers refined how a watch should be worn rather than carried.
The subsidiary seconds dial at six o’clock follows established late 19th and early 20th century practice, carried over from pocket watch layouts and adapted to the wristwatch format. Enamel dials of this type were valued for their crisp finish and long-term stability, providing a clean, legible surface without reliance on additional treatments. In this configuration, Longines trench watches present a straightforward and functional design, illustrating the early standardisation of wristwatch form during a period of rapid horological change.
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1978 Rolex Datejust 36 Ref:16014 w/ Linen Dial
