The wrist watch revolution started when so-called trench watches became popular with soldiers during WW1. Initially, these were basically small pocket watch movements strapped to the wrist, and this Tavannes example, with a porcelian dial and hinged caseback, certainly fits that bill. I wish I knew a bit more about this watch - the movement is unfortunately unmarked - but I treasure it as the real “granddaddy” of my wristwatch collection.

Based on Omega’s 1920s workhorse 26.5 movement, this example is in nickel silver (a.k.a. German silver) and styled to resemble military trench watches from a decade earlier. I love the cathedral-style hands, although re-luming them was a bit tricky. The nickel silver is a bit soft, so the case back wore through on the edges and it was patched by a jeweler at some point.

There’s nothing actually “military” about this early 1930s Cyma, but with its tan dial and green nato strap, it certainly looks the part. The fixed lugs on this watch are a bit battered (not that you can see them with the strap intalled), but the nickel-plated case is otherwise in very good shape,. The Cyma/Tavannnes 15 jewel movement is some variation of the 182 family (there were several, and the differences aren’t clear) and, with a fresh mainspring, is still a strong runner.