Trench watch - how old ?

Hi there,

My father owns an ancient watch. It has a label attached to it, which states
"This watch was used by Sergeant John S. Heaton to start the gas attack which began the battle of Loos, 05.20hrs 25th Sept. 1915"

I realise that Trench Watches are quite common, but we would be very pleased to know anything at all about this watch. Make, model, year and country of manufacture. I've been told it could even date back to the Boer War - is that possible ?.

The watch does not work. It has been sitting in a cupboard for the last 70 years and my father is beginning to think he should do something with it. The watch has never had anything done to it; even the very tatty and fragile strap is original.I'm told that the case is gunmetal.

We are wondering what we should do with the watch. Should it (could it ?) be got working or left alone ?

My father is inclined to give it to Royal Engineers museum. (My Grandfather was in the Special Brigade; a unit attached to the Royal Engineers and involved in early chemical warfare).

If it were your watch, what would you do with it ?





Thank you very much for any replies !!!

[Eddiep]

Wow - what a history. Perhaps someone else knows if the age ties in with the story?

Definitely need stabilising at the very least before it completely disintegrates. A museum would do that but otherwise leave it untouched.

I think it would be great to see it running again!

Eddie (P)

[xpatUSA]

The label is perhaps more significant than the watch. I would be inclined
to present this watch as-is to the Museum.

The movement looks American to me with that crude decoration, perhaps
Waltham.

The case is non- or semi-stainless steel as shown by the red rust
everywhere (gun-metal doesn't rust). The hinge could be brass with a
steel pin. Put a touch of light oil on the hinge as soon as possible, but
nowhere else.

The movement might run after a clean and lube but the crown and stem
are missing, so I wouldn't bother. Replacing them would be a bit like
re-painting antique furniture.

I vote the Museum,

[abraxas]

.............

I vote the Museum,

Me too ... at least they should stop any further deterioration.

john