Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a quintessential 1940s Swiss manual-wind military-style field watch, featuring bold radium-style Arabic numerals, an outer minute track with red five-minute markers, and central sweep seconds. Dial markings include 'SHOCK-PROTECTED', 'WATERPROOF', and 'SWISS' at the 6 o'clock position.
Story
During the 1940s, Swiss workshops produced rugged utility watches designed for field use and synchronized timing. The bold red sweep second hand and luminous numerals made critical seconds readable in total darkness.
Maker / Origin
While sterile or generically branded dials were common for military-contract and private-label watches of this period, Swiss movements inside were typically produced by renowned ebauche makers like AS (A. Schild), ETA, or FHF.
Condition & Value
Heavy patination and spotting across the dial, aged luminous infill in the syringe/pencil hands, plating loss/pitting on the case lugs, and old oxidized spring bars. The heavy honest wear gives it authentic character but moderates monetary value.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.