Extraordinary Antique WWI Era DOXA Military “Crystal Ball” Desk Watch (66mm)

An absolutely museum-grade, highly specialized artifact of World War I military horology. This massive, 66mm spherical desk watch, colloquially known as a “Crystal Ball” or “Paperweight” watch, was manufactured by the prestigious Swiss firm DOXA circa 1916.

This specific piece is an extraordinary historical document, featuring a custom presentation enamel dial associated with the Imperial German military. The pristine white dial displays a highly detailed, hand-rendered transfer print of a German Zeppelin airship. Below the central axis sits the iconic Imperial German military motto, “Gott mit uns” (God with us), curving elegantly above the DOXA signature and the subsidiary seconds dial. This timepiece was likely a presentation gift to a high-ranking officer, Zeppelin commander, or a prominent figure within the Imperial German Army or Luftstreitkräfte during the height of the Great War.

Detailed Specifications

• Maker: DOXA (Signed on the dial and movement)

• Era: World War I (Circa 1916)

• Type: Spherical “Crystal Ball” / Paperweight Desk Watch

• Dimensions: Substantial 66mm diameter (excluding crown and bow)

• Case Details: The watch is encased between two incredibly thick, perfectly clear, magnifying half-spheres of solid glass/crystal, held together by a polished gilt brass or bronze equatorial band. The optical distortion of the thick crystal dramatically magnifies the dial for easy reading on a desk or campaign table.

• Dial: Crisp white enamel dial. It features an outer 24-hour military time track in light blue (13-24) alongside large, bold black Arabic numerals (1-12) for standard timekeeping. The center features the detailed Zeppelin illustration and the “Gott mit uns” motto.

• Hands: Original gilt, spade-style hands.

• Movement: Large, robust mechanical pocket watch movement manufactured by DOXA. Stem-wind and pin-set (to set the time, depress the small pin near the crown while turning the crown).

• Operational Status: Perfect working condition. The mechanical movement winds smoothly and keeps strong, reliable time.

Condition Report

• Case & Crystal: Exceptional antique condition. The massive crystal hemispheres are remarkably clear, exhibiting no significant chips, deep scratches, or cracks—a true rarity for these vulnerable desk watches. The gilt center band retains a bright, polished finish.

• Dial: The enamel dial is in outstanding, collector-grade condition. The Zeppelin graphic and the “Gott mit uns” motto are perfectly preserved. There are no hairlines or chips.

• Mechanical: The DOXA movement is clean and operates flawlessly, beating with a strong amplitude.

Shipping & Handling Given its immense historical value and fragile glass construction, this WWI presentation piece will be packaged with extreme professional care. It will be dispatched utilizing highly secure, tracked, and fully insured expedited shipping to ensure absolute safety during transit. Please review all macro photography to fully appreciate the remarkable condition and unique historical dial of this rare DOXA military artifact prior to purchasing. Feel free to contact us with any questions!

The watch comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $3500