Founded in 1832, Longines has a rich and exciting history. The company produced their first movement, the 20A, in 1867 near the Swiss town of Saint-Imier, in a place called Es Longines ("long meadows"). This movement won an award at the Exhibition Universelle in Paris in the same year, and this was the first of many accolades for the company. The Longines brand name and logo were officially registered with the United International Bureaux for the Protection of Intellectual Property (later the WIPO) in 1889. Longines is the oldest brand name registered with the WIPO that is unchanged and still in use today. Longines is now part of the Swatch Group, having joined in 1983.
The Trench watch is the intermediate stage between a pocket watch and what we know as the modern wristwatch. It was developed out of a necessity for the military in the First World War to be able to easily use their timepieces, which were regarded as a tool, rather than a fashion accessory as they are today.
Extra Points
"Jay's", as signed on the dial, were a watchmaker, jeweller and silversmith located in Regent Street, London (as well as at 366 Essex Road in Islington, which I quite often cycle past!). The company held Royal Warrants and after expanding to Chelsea and Brighton, traded as "Jays, The County Jewellers." It was not uncommon at the time that this watch was produced to add jeweller's names to the dials as it added a more commercial appeal to the watches.
What we particularly love about this Trench watch are the classic features that we find ourselves coming back to time and time again: the quality of the enamel dial, the all Arabic numerals, articulated lugs and solid silver 925 case.
We've fully serviced this stunning Trench watch in our on-site workshop and it comes with a 12 months, non-waterproof service cover.
What we think
Whilst we love Trench watches, they should be regarded as antiques and, therefore, are not meant for everyday wear, but occasional use only. We also don't usually find Trench watches in such good condition as this, I'm sure you can imagine some of the things these watches have seen.
Spec Stuff
Serial :
Reference :
Movement : Manual Wind Age : 1911/1920 Specific Age : 1916 Case Size : Case Thickness : Lug to Lug : Lugs : Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material : Fully Hallmarked Sterling Silver 925 Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
