Antique WWI German Kaiserliche Marine 0.800 Silver Pocket Watch – Iron Cross

An exceptional and highly collectible military timepiece from the World War I era, specifically crafted for service within the German Imperial Navy (Kaiserliche Marine). The solid silver full hunter case  is masterfully engraved with a detailed depiction of a dreadnought-class battleship cutting through the waves, set above the Gothic inscription “Kaiserliche Marine.” The striking white enamel dial prominently features the Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz), a renowned historical symbol of German military valor. This robust 52mm silver pocket watch embodies the height of early 20th-century naval history, engineered to meet the rigorous chronometric demands of nautical navigation and wartime service.

Detailed Specifications

• Era: World War I (circa 1914–1918)

• Military Branch: Imperial German Navy (Kaiserliche Marine)

• Case Material: Solid 0.800 Silver. The inner cuvette is properly stamped with the authentic German Imperial hallmarks (Crown and Crescent Moon), alongside the “0.800” purity mark and a rampant horse maker’s shield.

• Case Diameter: 52mm (excluding crown and bow)

• Dial: Pristine white enamel featuring bold black Arabic numerals and a central Iron Cross motif. It boasts a highly specialized outer minute/second track where every single minute is individually numbered from 1 to 60, designed for precise navigational timing.

• Hands: Ornate, gilded Louis XIV-style hour and minute hands, complemented by a subsidiary seconds dial at the 6 o’clock position.

• Movement: High-grade, jeweled mechanical chronometer-style movement featuring brilliant gilded plates, exposed winding gears, and ruby jewels in polished settings.

• Operational Status: Perfect working condition. The movement winds smoothly, sets precisely, and keeps excellent time.

Condition Report

The heavy 0.800 silver case maintains a beautiful, authentic antique patina with minor, age-appropriate surface wear indicative of genuine military field use. The elaborate battleship engraving and “Kaiserliche Marine” text on the reverse remain exceptionally crisp and distinct. The delicate white enamel dial is phenomenally preserved, displaying vibrant, unmarred graphics and numbers without any disruptive hairline cracks or chips. Internally, the mechanical movement is remarkably clean and well-maintained, showcasing bright, unoxidized gilded plates and secure jewel settings.

Shipping & Terms

The timepiece will be meticulously packaged to ensure absolute structural safety during transit. Fully tracked and insured international shipping will be utilized. Please carefully review all provided high-resolution macro photography to fully assess the remarkable condition, historical engravings, and authentic hallmarking of this exceptional military artifact prior to purchasing. Feel free to reach out with any specific inquiries regarding the movement or case dimensions.

The watch comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $3500