Imperial Russian Army Military Officers Trench Watch Huge 37mm 14k Gold 1800's
For your consideration is this remarkable, very early, one-of-a-kind 1890's Ukrainian/Russian military wristwatch by famous Odessa Jeweler. The maker imported and resold watches made by Tavannes, DOXA and a few other high-end makers, but his real high-end offerings were always "re-branded" with his shop name on the dial. Much more information can be found online about the history of this very important and well known Jewish retailer in Odessa, Ukraine.
This watch would have certainly belonged to a Very high-ranking military officer of the period. Unfortunately without provenance, we may never know which General or Admiral would have worn this piece proudly. That said, this may be the finest military-style wristwatch we've ever seen, and it gets compliments whenever it's worn. As far as I know everything is all original.
I fully wound the watch upon its return, set it down, and it kept time for over two days, actually gaining three minutes. Also, it's 130 years old, so... Aside from that, there are no issues to report. This is a striking timepiece, and one that has charm and history.
The porcelain dial is in near perfect condition, with the only flaw located between the 7 and 8 o'clock positions as shown in picture number 7 with the bezel and crystal removed. It is very hard to see this minor imperfection when the bezel and crystal are in place. The Huge case is solid 14k yellow gold, and is marked with a squirrel, which is consistent with the precious metals control act of 1880, as well as a 14k stamp - both are pictured.
The case measures 37mm and 41mm including the crown. This was unheard of for the period, and is in keeping with a mid-to-large sized watch today without looking like you're wearing a pocket watch on your wrist.
No disappointments, this piece is a gem, and looks like a million bucks. The first picture is used to illustrate this watch's extremely large size next to other timepieces from the period. It will also include a vintage (not original) leather band as pictured in the last photo.
The strap has a bit of separation around the buckle and will need to be repaired. The band pictured is a very expensive, custom-made leather hand made band, so is well worth the repair. Add a map to your own listings.The item "Imperial Russian Army Military Officers Trench Watch Huge 37mm 14k Gold 1800's" is in sale since Thursday, October 1, 2020. This item is in the category "Jewelry & Watches\Watches, Parts & Accessories\Watches\Wristwatches"." and is located in Charleston, South Carolina. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Features: 12-Hour Dial
- Case Size: 37mm
- Department: Men
- Display: Analog
- Case Color: Gold
- Bezel Color: Gold
- Country/Region of Manufacture: Switzerland
- Indices: Arabic Numerals
- Case Material: Solid Gold
- Water Resistance: Not Water Resistant
- Dial Style: 12-Hour Dial
- Year Manufactured: Pre-1920
- Customized: No
- Band Material: Leather
- Year of Manufacture: Pre-1920
- Dial Color: White
- Band Color: Brown
- Brand: Unbranded
- Style: Luxury: Dress Styles
- Gender: Men's
- Band Type: Buckle Band
- Watch Shape: Round
- Movement: Mechanical (Hand-winding)
- Type: Wristwatch