Omega Trench Watch / Officer's Watch Refit Conversion
Field Watch / Military-Style Trench Watch with Sub-Seconds · Omega (Swatch Group), luxury tier, celebrated for historical precision and robust military/civilian timepieces
Period: Art Deco / Vintage Early 20th Century (1910s-1930s) transitional period from pocket watch to wristwatch
Type
Field Watch / Military-Style Trench Watch with Sub-Seconds
Brand
Omega (Swatch Group), luxury tier, celebrated for historical precision and robust military/civilian timepieces
Movement
Manual-wind mechanical pocket-watch movement adapted for wrist use, high-grade vintage Omega caliber, high jewel count
Dimensions
Case diameter approximately 32-35 mm, thickness around 10 mm, fixed wire lug-to-lug approximately 38-40 mm, lug width 16-18 mm for open-ended straps
Description
This charming vintage Omega timepiece represents a fascinating historical bridge in horology, capturing the exact era when pocket watches were ruggedly modified with soldered wire lugs to be strapped to the wrists of soldiers and officers in the trenches. Featuring a classic enamel-style dial with Roman numerals and a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock, it showcases timeless early 20th-century design aesthetics with incredible historic character and authentic patina.
Key Features
Fixed wire lugs designed for pass-through straps, classic Roman numeral layout, railway minute track, blued steel spade hands, subsidiary seconds at 6 o'clock, and signature early Omega dial typography
Dial Description
Off-white/silvered enamel or metal dial featuring painted black Roman numerals, railroad outer minute track, blued steel spade hands, and a recessed subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o'clock position
Case Material
Stainless steel or chrome-plated nickel case with fixed wire lugs, polished finish
Crystal Type
Vintage high-domed acrylic or plexiglass crystal with noticeable age-related wear and scratches
Bezel Details
Fixed narrow smooth polished bezel integrated seamlessly into the round case construction
Crown & Pushers
Small onion or fluted pull-out crown located unusually positioned at the 4 o'clock or 3 o'clock side depending on the specific pocket watch rotation orientation
Bracelet or Strap
Currently fitted with bare fixed wire loop lugs designed for specialized open-ended leather pass-through trench watch straps
Caseback Details
Solid snap-on metal caseback, likely featuring historical interior case markings, hallmarks, and serial numbers
Movement Type
Manual-wind mechanical pocket-watch movement adapted for wrist use, high-grade vintage Omega caliber, high jewel count
Water Resistance
None (0 meters / Not water resistant), highly susceptible to moisture ingress due to historical case construction and lack of modern gaskets
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, manufactured in Bienne, Switzerland, utilizing an in-house vintage Omega manual-wind movement
Age Estimate
Circa 1915-1930, reflecting the early adoption era of wristwatches during and immediately following World War I
Cultural Significance
Representing the pivotal moment when wristwatches transitioned from delicate women's jewelry to essential rugged tools for men, trench watches played a crucial role in shifting global fashion and utility standards during WWI.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good vintage condition. The dial exhibits natural aging, spotting, and patina. The case shows micro-scratches and minor plating wear consistent with age. Crystal has surface scuffs. Movement requires mechanical inspection but retains original components.
Value Estimate
Estimated between $500 and $1,500 USD depending heavily on the running condition of the movement, originality of the dial, and historical provenance
Care & Maintenance
Requires extremely careful handling due to age. Not water resistant whatsoever. Avoid magnetic fields, manual winding should be done gently until resistance is felt, and servicing should be performed by a watchmaker experienced in vintage calibers every 3 to 5 years.
Similar Watches
Longines Military Trench Watch, Rolex WWI Officer Watch, Cyma Vintage Field Watch, Omega 1910s Sub-Seconds Dress Watch
Interesting Facts
Trench watches like this are considered the direct ancestors of modern wristwatches. Soldiers in World War I found pocket watches impractical in combat and began soldering wire loops to small pocket watches to wear them securely on their arms.