1913 Waltham Cushion Trench Watch, 15J, Nickel Case

$743.00

Shipping to United States: Free
  • Details
    My shop was recently selected to supply vintage American watches for a premier movie starring some major actors and a world famous director. They were looking for authentic watches that would represent the time period from 1915-1926. It is a true story of events that took place during the 1920’s.


    I have been an avid vintage watch collector for years. My soft spot is 1900-1935 American watches.


    I have an active collection of about 60 pieces. I am constantly refining my collection as time ticks by.


    The ones that I do not wear very much get sold for other watches that may be hard to find. All my watches for sale are in above average condition, some are pristine.


    I pride myself in offering the best quality and reasonable prices. Remember, "Price is what you pay, value is what you get".


    This is what I have completed on the watch:


    Complete tear down overhaul and service of the movement


    New stem, crown and sleeve


    NOS crystal


    The dial was professionally cleaned and restyled


    The case has hand polished


    NOS hands


    18 open ended “Black” band with a stainless steel buckle


    The US was about to start WW1. This is a marvelous example of a Trench Watch or what is also known as a WW1 watch worn by the Doughboys of WW1. This is a 15 jewel.


    Look at the inside case back, see how it has ¼ 14 k Gold ¾ Nickel stamped on it, this identifies this as a genuine model. This is a solid nickel case with 14 karat gold over the case back. The engine tuned patter is sublime and show NO wear! Very hard to find a case like this in the condition that it is


    The case measures approximately 32MM wide


    The 3/0 movement has been serviced. The size of this movement is getting harder to find. The more common 0 size are much easier to find, just another feature about this watch that makes it special



    This style is often referred as a “Bullseye” dial, with the black and white combination. No second hand as well. Keep in mind that wrist watches were in its infancy in 1913. There were no rules, there were no styling cues, there were no guidelines, it was like the Wild Wild West.


    Nickel, the case material could could stand the rigors of the wrist. It was meant to be worn daily with the hope that it could outlast the most difficult and demanding owner. It is a metal meant for durability not aesthetics’s.


    Let me share what I know about Trench watches and how they came about. Trench watches were a result of a need in ingenuity in watch making.


    You see, trench watches were ladies pocket movements repackaged into watch cases that had fixed wire lugs that leather band / strap threaded through the back


    The usual watch movement sizes that were used were 3/0 and 0 sizes. Then within those movement sizes were the jewel counts. The 7 jeweled movements was the most prolific WW1 movement manufactured in numbers. The movements had serial numbers that would enable the consumer to track its production date, production quantity and specification. This watch dates to 1917 through its movement serial number.


    Movement manufacturers: the American manufactures were Waltham, Elgin, Illinois and Hamilton. Waltham and Elgin being the two manufactures who produced the most quantity. Illinois had a short lived history that was distinguished in the watch world.


    Here is where the creative thought comes into play. In the early 1910’s the independent jeweler would place an order for a movement, that movement order would be dependent upon social position of the potential buyer. If he was middle class they might order a 7 jewel movement and have it installed in a white or yellow gold filled. If they came from money, they might of order a 17 or 19 jeweled movement and install it in a solid gold case. This approach was the genesis of the wrist watch today.


    It is not uncommon to see the same watch movement in a gold filled case, sterling silver case or solid gold case. The case manufactures were Dennison, Philadelphia, Keystone, Wadsworth, BB Royal to name a few. This was the beginning of wrist watches.


    Grade: No. 315


    Manufacturer: Waltham


    Manufacturer Location: Waltham, Massachusetts


    Movement Serial Number: 19493674


    Grade: No. 315


    Model: 1900


    Estimated Production Year: 1913


    Run Quantity: 2,000


    Grade/Model Run: 12 of 46


    Grade/Model Total Production: 89,950


    Size: 3/0s


    Jewels: 15


    Movement Finish:


    Movement Setting: Pendant


    Plate: 3/4 Plate


    Hairspring: Breguet


    Adjusted: No


    Railroad Grade: No Question Mark


    Case: Various
  • Shipping & Policies

    Shipping from United States

    Processing time

    1-5 business days

    Customs and import taxes

    Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.

    Payment Options

    Secure options
    • Accepts Etsy gift cards

    Returns & Exchanges

    I gladly accept returns, exchanges, and cancellations

    Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery

    Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery

  • Custom or personalized orders
  • Perishable products (like food or flowers)
  • Digital downloads
  • Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)
  • Items on sale

Conditions of return

Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.

Questions about your order?

Please contact me if you have any problems with your order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Custom and personalized orders

I will review your requests and evaluate it for completion