For sale is a highly collectible and aesthetically stunning Double-Signed Movado "Trench Watch" from the World War I era (circa 1915–1920). This timepiece is a rare combination for collectors, combining a prestigious retailer signature, the specialized "Niello" case-making technique, and the iconic Breguet numerals.
The watch is defined by its exquisite silver case, featuring a bezel inlaid with Niello, an ancient technique using a black sulphur mixture fused into engraved lines. The black Greek Key (Meander) pattern remains remarkably intact, a rarity for pieces of this age, showcasing the transition from Art Nouveau flow to Art Deco geometry. The dial is a masterpiece of the era, signed by both the manufacturer (Movado) and the historic Swiss high-end jeweler "A L'Emeraude Lausanne." It features the classic "Red 12," a visual anchor designed to help early wristwatch adopters orient the dial, along with Art Nouveau Arabic numerals and delicate blued steel spade hands. The case features fixed wire lugs, characteristic of early trench watches, preserving its authentic WWI profile.
Key Features:
Brand: Movado
Retailer: A L'Emeraude Lausanne (Double-Signed)
Era: World War I (Circa 1915–1920)
Case Size: 27mm without crown
Case Material: Sterling Silver with Black Niello Inlay
Case Style: Greek Key / Meander Pattern Bezel with Wire Lugs
Dial: Double-Signed, Enamel-style with "Red 12" and Art Nouveau Numerals
Hands: Blued Steel Spade Hands
Movement: Manual Wind Mechanical
Why Collectors Love It: This watch appeals to serious collectors on multiple levels. First, the Double-Signature from A L'Emeraude, a historic retailer famous for selling Patek Philippe and Rolex in Lausanne, acts as a stamp of exclusivity, implying the watch was originally sold to a wealthy clientele. Second, the Niello Case is a lost art; finding a silver case with the black alloy inlay this well-preserved is exceptionally difficult. Finally, the "Red 12" styling captures a pivotal moment in horological history when pocket watches were evolving into wristwatches. This is not just a timepiece; it is a rare example of early 20th-century design and craftsmanship.
Return Policy All watch purchases from Arrows Vintage Watches include a 48-hour return window. If you’re not fully satisfied, you may return the watch at your expense using the same insured shipping method it was sent with, and in the same condition it was received. Once the watch is returned and inspected, refunds will be issued within 7 days via the original payment method.
All returns and cancellations will be charged a restocking fee around 3% of the total item price. This is the cost of using a payment processor on the site.
For sale is a highly collectible and aesthetically stunning Double-Signed Movado "Trench Watch" from the World War I era (circa 1915–1920). This timepiece is a rare combination for collectors, combining a prestigious retailer signature, the specialized "Niello" case-making technique, and the iconic Breguet numerals.
The watch is defined by its exquisite silver case, featuring a bezel inlaid with Niello, an ancient technique using a black sulphur mixture fused into engraved lines. The black Greek Key (Meander) pattern remains remarkably intact, a rarity for pieces of this age, showcasing the transition from Art Nouveau flow to Art Deco geometry. The dial is a masterpiece of the era, signed by both the manufacturer (Movado) and the historic Swiss high-end jeweler "A L'Emeraude Lausanne." It features the classic "Red 12," a visual anchor designed to help early wristwatch adopters orient the dial, along with Art Nouveau Arabic numerals and delicate blued steel spade hands. The case features fixed wire lugs, characteristic of early trench watches, preserving its authentic WWI profile.
Key Features:
Brand: Movado
Retailer: A L'Emeraude Lausanne (Double-Signed)
Era: World War I (Circa 1915–1920)
Case Size: 27mm without crown
Case Material: Sterling Silver with Black Niello Inlay
Case Style: Greek Key / Meander Pattern Bezel with Wire Lugs
Dial: Double-Signed, Enamel-style with "Red 12" and Art Nouveau Numerals
Hands: Blued Steel Spade Hands
Movement: Manual Wind Mechanical
Why Collectors Love It: This watch appeals to serious collectors on multiple levels. First, the Double-Signature from A L'Emeraude, a historic retailer famous for selling Patek Philippe and Rolex in Lausanne, acts as a stamp of exclusivity, implying the watch was originally sold to a wealthy clientele. Second, the Niello Case is a lost art; finding a silver case with the black alloy inlay this well-preserved is exceptionally difficult. Finally, the "Red 12" styling captures a pivotal moment in horological history when pocket watches were evolving into wristwatches. This is not just a timepiece; it is a rare example of early 20th-century design and craftsmanship.
Return Policy All watch purchases from Arrows Vintage Watches include a 48-hour return window. If you’re not fully satisfied, you may return the watch at your expense using the same insured shipping method it was sent with, and in the same condition it was received. Once the watch is returned and inspected, refunds will be issued within 7 days via the original payment method.
All returns and cancellations will be charged a restocking fee around 3% of the total item price. This is the cost of using a payment processor on the site.
