Antique WWI Era 14k Gold Imperial Pavel Buhre Tsar Nicholas II Award Wristwatch

This offering represents an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire a museum-quality artifact of immense historical magnitude. Crafted by Pavel Buhre—the esteemed and exclusive personal watch master to the Imperial Court of His Majesty—this solid 14k gold chronograph wristwatch is a direct physical link to the supreme military command of the First World War.

This specific timepiece was personally awarded by Tsar Nicholas II to General Vladimir Aleksandrovich Sukhomlinov, who served as the Chief of the General Staff and Minister of War during the outbreak of WWI in 1914. Procured directly from his family estate, the watch bears the ultimate mark of its origin: the personal, deeply engraved signature of the Tsar himself, accompanied by the dedication “For Bravery 1914”. Timepieces of this caliber, carrying such absolute provenance and directly tied to the highest-ranking figures of the Imperial military apparatus, simply do not appear on the open market. It is a true one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Item Specifications

• Maker: Pavel Buhre (Personal Watch Master to the Imperial Court)

• Era: WWI Era (1914)

• Provenance: Estate of General Vladimir Aleksandrovich Sukhomlinov

• Material: Heavy Solid 14k Gold (0.583)

• Total Weight: 114 grams

• Dimensions: 47mm case diameter

• Band Length: 13.2cm solid gold articulating link band

• Condition: Museum-quality, perfect working order

• Included: Original Imperial luxury presentation case

Comprehensive Condition & Description

The Imperial Presentation Case: The watch is accompanied by its original, exceedingly rare luxury presentation box, fitting for a gift from the Emperor. The dark exterior is proudly adorned with a remarkably detailed, applied metal Imperial Crown, positioned directly above the personal, intertwined metal monogram and cipher of Tsar Nicholas II. The interior is custom-fitted and fully lined with rich blue velvet and silk, preserving the timepiece in absolute aristocratic elegance.

The Case and Solid Gold Band: The imposing 47mm open-face case is meticulously crafted from heavy, solid 14k gold. It features a substantial, fluted winding crown with a seamlessly integrated chronograph pusher positioned at the top. The watch is perfectly matched with a solid 14k gold articulating link bracelet (measuring 13.2cm), combining robust military utility with ultimate luxury. The inner case back is officially hallmarked with the 0.583 gold purity stamp and securely bears the matching serial number 248909. Together, the watch and band weigh a formidable 114 grams.The band is hallmarked with the Imperial 56 gold hallmark.

The Dedication & Royal Signature: The exterior case back serves as a breathtaking historical canvas. It is masterfully engraved with the Cyrillic text “ЗА ХРАБРОСТЬ 1914” (For Bravery 1914). Positioned prominently beneath this dedication is the striking, deeply engraved personal signature of Tsar Nicholas II, executed with absolute precision and sweeping, undeniable authority.

The Enamel Dial Protected beneath the crystal lies a flawless, immaculate white enamel dial. It is highly legible, featuring bold black Arabic numerals surrounded by a precise outer minute track designed for military synchronization. The dial is elegantly signed “Pavel Buhre” in traditional, flowing Cyrillic script. A specialized 60-minute chronograph sub-dial is uniquely positioned at the 12 o’clock mark. Time is indicated by exquisite, aged dark blued steel hands, complemented by a needle-fine central chronograph sweep hand for timing precision.

The Chronograph Movement At the heart of this historical treasure is an ultra-complex mechanical chronograph movement that remains in perfect, precise working order. The high-grade mechanism showcases a beautiful, pristine frosted gilt finish. The mechanical architecture is a visual marvel, highlighted by complex polished steel levers, exposed golden winding gears, and vibrant, thermally blued screws. It stands as a testament to the unparalleled mechanical mastery of the Pavel Buhre workshop.