Mens 1915 Longines WWI Military Sterling Silver Swiss Made TRENCH Watch
Item History & Price
Founded by Ernest Francillon and Auguste Agassiz in the year 1832, the Longines Watch Co. of Switzerland was established in the “Long Meadows” (translated: Longines) near the town of St. Imier. Winner of countless horology awards, their wristwatches are among the best in the world, on par with the “big boys” of the Swiss watch making profession including its chief rival Omega. I am very pleased to offer for sale the following antique Longines timepiece, an original men’...s sterling silver, wire lug case WWI military watch that dates to 1915. This 105-year-old timepiece is in excellent condition, triple-signed for Longines and featuring matching case and mechanism serial numbers that ensure complete originality.It measures 38mm lug tip to lug tip and 33.5mm in width (35.5mm with original Onion-style winding crown). This works out to be 1-1/2 inches long by 1-5/16 inches wide, not including the crown. It is powered by its original 7 jewel, 3 adjustments, manual wind Longines 13.34 caliber mechanism, fully serviced by my trusted watchmaker David to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time.The original white porcelain enamel finished dial is in excellent condition, finished dial is in excellent condition, guaranteed untouched since it left the Longines workshops at the height of WWI. There is one circular hairline near the number 10 (very hard to see) but absolutely no other cracks or chips, even with the bezel removed and dial in full view. It features a 60 minute outer track border, aged brown Arabic numbers, blue steel hands with fill and a sub-seconds dial with crisp 60 second outer track and ‘sweep’ blue steel seconds hand. Signed LONGINES below the 12 and SWISS at the base of the dial.The acrylic crystal is in excellent condition, a new addition. The three-piece case is Solid 0.935 Grade Sterling Silver and in excellent shape, complete with solid wire lugs that accommodate a 16mm strap. The original onion-style winding crown (also called pumpkin-style) is in excellent shape, winding and setting smoothly. Turning the watch over I find that the snap-down, sterling silver back lid is in excellent shape, no wear or engravings and nicer than my photos.Inside I find a clean, 2/3 plate mechanism, a caliber 13.34 as stamped below the balance wheel. It is signed Longines W. Co. Swiss, 7 Jewels, 3 Adj. with serial number #3, 359, 636 – dating the watch to circa 1915 as per Longines production records available online.The inside case is stamped LONGINES W. CO., SWISS - 0.935, STERLING SILVER with serial number #3, 359, 636. This is the same serial number as what’s stamped on the mechanism, ensuring complete originality. While Longines matched case and mechanism serial numbers during this era, Omega did not – something to keep in mind if you’re looking at Omega watches from the same time period.This early Art Deco period Longines has been cleaned, oiled and regulated to ensure it winds and sets smoothly while keeping accurate time. Comes fitted with a 16mm brown leather strap with fold-over ends, especially designed for fixed, wire lug watches like this. A ready to wear, TRUE antique timepiece from a distinguished Swiss firm that dates to “the war to end all wars” and is a true investment-grade timepiece.Watch sizes: I provide exact case measurements in millimeters (the watch industry standard) and inches, and include a U.S. quarter in one photo as a size reference. Draw the measurements on a piece of paper to help visualize the watch on your wrist. Remember, men’s vintage watches are noticeably smaller than oversized timepieces you see today. Prefer a brown strap instead of black? For most men’s watches I can switch the color before mailing; just let me know. U.S. winners pay $14.75 for fully insured, safely boxed USPS shipping with door-to-door tracking. Washington State residents are required to pay sales tax. Residents of states where eBay collects sales tax are also required to pay this.Canadian winners pay $44.00 (actual cost) for Global Priority Express with insurance. Other international buyers pay $64.00 (actual or below cost) for Global Priority Express Mail with door-to-door tracking. I cover any additional insurance fees and always pay MORE for shipping than what I charge.International buyers: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are your responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to confirm any additional costs prior to bidding. I ship within 24 hours of receiving cleared payment, but your local custom authorities can cause delays.Payment is due within three days of auction end, unless you have contacted me prior to auction end to arrange otherwise. In accordance with eBay policy, payments not received in four days will initiate an unpaid item case through the Resolution Center.All of my watches are under warranty. In the rare event that a watch needs further service upon receipt, return the wristwatch to me (or mail it to my watchmaker, David, in New York City) at my expense. It will be corrected and quickly mailed back to you. Note: I will not pay for or offer a partial refund for work done by another watchmaker. I am a proud member of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors (NAWCC). If you like unique and collectible vintage or antique wristwatches, add me as one of your favorite sellers. I specialize in American and Swiss timepieces from the 1900s to 1970s. My selection changes weekly, and is comprised of manual wind and automatic watches from the following categories: WWI trench; WWII; military; fancy case, art nouveau; art deco; mid-century modern; stainless steel; sterling silver; white, yellow and rose gold; solid gold; platinum; and diamond, ruby and/or sapphire ladies cocktail watches. Need accessories for your watch? Our sister store, Holben's Fine Watch Bands, offers an extensive selection of sport, military and dress straps, buckles, deployment clasps and other wristwatch accessories from European and American manufacturers.
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