Vintage Swiss-Made Military-Style Field Watch (Unbranded/Private Label)
Field Watch / Tool Watch · Swiss Made, Private Label or Unbranded. During the mid-20th century, hundreds of Swiss workshops produced these components for various retail brands or military contracts.
Period: Mid-Century / World War II Era (1940s-1950s) characterized by a functionalist aesthetic, outer railroad minute track, and Arabic numerals typical of utilitarian 'Service' watches.
Type
Field Watch / Tool Watch
Brand
Swiss Made, Private Label or Unbranded. During the mid-20th century, hundreds of Swiss workshops produced these components for various retail brands or military contracts.
Movement
Manual/Hand-wound mechanical movement. Likely a 15 or 17 jewel Swiss ebauche caliber (such as A. Schild, ETA, or FHF) common for the period. Typically features 18,000 bph frequency.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 30mm - 32mm (mid-size/boys-size typical of the era); Thickness: 10mm; Lug-to-lug: 38mm; Lug width: 16mm.
Description
A rugged, time-worn example of a mid-century military-style field watch. Its small diameter and highly legible railroad track dial reflect the design requirements of the 1940s. The heavy patina tells a story of decades of use, though it currently lacks hands and functionality.
Key Features
Railroad track outer dial, bold Arabic numerals, 'Swiss Made' signature, and wire-style lugs with a distinct downward curvature.
Dial Description
Aged cream/parchment dial with 'SWISS MADE' at 6 o'clock. Features a railroad minute track, printed Arabic numerals (1-12), and appears to have had a sub-seconds or central seconds hand (now missing). Heavy oxidation and spotting are present.
Case Material
Base metal (likely chrome-plated brass or nickel silver) with significant plating loss and pitting. The underlying dull grey material is visible where the plating has worn away.
Crystal Type
Domed Acrylic/Hessalite. It shows severe cracking across the top and significant scratching consistent with high age and use.
Bezel Details
Fixed smooth bezel, integrated into the mid-case, made of plated base metal with heavy wear and corrosion.
Crown & Pushers
Original oversized 'onion' or dome-style crown, likely push-pull type, showing significant brassing and wear.
Bracelet or Strap
Aftermarket vintage expansion-style stretch bracelet made of stainless steel or base metal. This was a common utilitarian replacement in the 1950s and 60s.
Caseback Details
Likely a screw-down or snap-on solid stainless steel caseback. Usually contains 'Stainless Steel Back' and 'Antimagnetic' or 'Waterproof' engravings on pieces from this era.
Movement Type
Manual/Hand-wound mechanical movement. Likely a 15 or 17 jewel Swiss ebauche caliber (such as A. Schild, ETA, or FHF) common for the period. Typically features 18,000 bph frequency.
Water Resistance
Non-existent. Although originally marketed as 'Water Protected' or 'Waterproof,' age has compromised all seals.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made; Manufacture origin in the Swiss Jura region. These were often exported to Allied markets or sold through PX stores.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940 - 1948 based on the dial layout, case size, and base metal construction.
Cultural Significance
Represents the democratization of timekeeping following WWII and the transition from pocket watches to wristwatches as essential tool equipment for men.
Condition Notes
Poor/Salvage condition. Crystal is shattered/cracked; all hands are missing; dial is heavily oxidized; case/bezel show severe pitting and plating loss; crown is worn; movement functionality is unknown but unlikely given the missing hands.
Value Estimate
$20 - $50 USD. Its value is primarily as a 'parts watch' or for sentimental restoration, as the cost of repair far exceeds the market value of an unbranded base-metal watch.
Care & Maintenance
Requires a full movement restoration, new crystal, and sourcing period-correct hands. Do not expose to water as all gaskets have long since failed.
Similar Watches
Waltham A-11, Elgin A-11, or various 'Dirty Dozen' military watches (though those were typically larger and steel-cased).
Interesting Facts
Watches like this were the 'Daily Drivers' of the WWII generation. Because they were often made of base metals rather than solid steel to save resources for the war effort, few have survived in good condition.