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Help with a WWI US watch

Featured Replies

#1

Hello everyone,
I would appreciate your expert opinions on this watch, which was found in France in the 1980s. I have tried to trace the history of the man associated with it, and my research led me to a specific World War I soldier. Given that the first names are reversed, do you think it could be the same person? Was this model of watch used during World War I?
Thank you for your valuable insights.
Have a great day.
Laurent.

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  • Author
#2

Hello everyone,
No thoughts, friends?
Thanks.
Laurent

#3

I am not a WWI watch expert, but I do own one.  Mine is identified as to the maker and it has a serial number on the back.  You may need to take this to a jeweler or watch specialist who can safely take the back cover off to see if there is anything inside the back cover that can help identify where this is from and how old it is.

 

Marty

  • Author
#4

Good evening Marty,
Thanks for your advice; the back of the watch opens easily, and the cover has a hinge. The markings are visible now.
Thanks for your help, Marty.

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#5

Laurent, Nice watch! Does it work? definitely looks like the type used during the WW1 period. Is there a makers name anywhere on it? Is there verbiage where I've circled?

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I think you nailed it on the identification. I know many guys who went by there middle name but signed legal documents with there legal name. Kim

 

  • Author
#6
45 minutes ago, kfields said:

Laurent, Nice watch! Does it work? definitely looks like the type used during the WW1 period. Is there a makers name anywhere on it? Is there verbiage where I've circled?

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Hi kfields,
To answer your question, I don't know if it works; naturally, I don't want to damage it. The marking inside the red circle is simply "SWISS." However, once the case is opened, the markings are as follows:
RECTA WATCH MFG.CO SWISS
STERLING SILVER 0925
OT 291077.
Thanks for your reply.
Laurent

 

 

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