Men’s 1919 Elgin Watch w/Shrapnel Guard, Boston Award

As hard as it is to believe, there was no men's wristwatch market prior to WWI. Wristwatches, or "wristlets" were primarily ladies novelties — small altered pocket watches worn on ribbon straps around the wrist or hooked to bracelet chains. While men's wristwatches were produced in very limited numbers for certain military applications as early as the turn of the century, men of the day considered these pieces to be effeminate and undesirable. Ladies had the first taste of the Victorian wristlet in the form of a "convertible" watch — a timepiece that could be worn as a pendant, on a pin or — when fitted with the appropriate hardware and ribbon band — a novel "wristlet" watch!

For the doughboys of WWI, wrist watches offered a convenient departure from pocket watches of the day, as a watch worn on the wrist was easier to consult than one in the pocket. Cases were composed of silver, nickel or gold; some had shrapnel guards or covers to protect the men from shards of glass if the crystal broke, and to guard the crystal against breakage from brush or rough use. Such models were usually the most expensive; today they are the most coveted.

We're delighted to offer this WWI era Elgin wristlet/trench watch in a correct, gold-filled "Fahys" marked case, featuring a rare integrated shrapnel guard. On the back is engraved "City of Boston/July 4, 1919/ 1st Prize/Swimming/100 Yards. What a magnificent thing!

This historic, completely original example, measuring approx. 41mm by 34mm, features a completely original dial highlighted by stylized numerals, blued spade hands with luminous centers and classic sub-seconds register. Everything about this historic work of wrist art is handsome, from its correct crown to its gorgeous solid nickel 7 jewel movement. Even its correctly re-created two-piece cordovan strap with matching period buckle is wonderful.

If you have been looking for an historic timepiece to confirm your flawless taste to the world, you have found it.