Massive 69mm Solid Silver WWI Imperial German Navy Award Pocket Watch – 236g –

Presenting a highly significant, museum-grade antique timepiece from the height of the First World War. This exceptionally massive, oversized pocket watch measures an imposing 69mm in diameter and weighs a substantial 236 grams. Cased in solid silver, it stands as a superlative example of military history and horological craftsmanship, originally serving as a prestigious presentation or award piece for the Imperial German Navy (Kaiserliche Marine). It comes complete with a certified appraisal valuing the piece at $5,000.

Historical Provenance & Context During WWI, robust, oversized pocket watches were strictly issued to or privately commissioned by high-ranking naval officers and U-boat commanders who relied on unfailing precision for navigation and synchronized maneuvers.

The solid silver case back is masterfully engraved with a deep, intricate Imperial German naval motif. It features the prominent profile of a naval vessel—evocative of the dreadnoughts or early submarine works of the era—flanked by dockyard elements. This central vignette is regally crowned by the Imperial German Crown (Kaiserliche Krone) bearing the Iron Cross, surrounded by decorative naval ribboning. Such exquisite, customized engraving indicates this was not standard-issue equipment, but rather a high-level award or commemorative presentation piece honoring distinguished naval service.

Intriguingly, the inner cuvette bears the signature “BOUDROT à Epernay”, alongside specifications for a French/Swiss movement (Ancre, Remontoir, 15 rubis). It was historically common for exceptional quality foreign movements to be prized, re-cased, or utilized for high-end military presentations, adding a fascinating layer of cross-border history to this wartime artifact.

Dial & Movement Specifications

• Dial: The pristine original white enamel dial features a sophisticated dual-time layout tailored for military precision. It showcases classic black Roman numeral primary hour markers, complemented by an inner 24-hour military time track rendered in striking red Arabic numerals. The outer minute track is marked with black Arabic numerals (5-60) for exact tracking. A deeply sunken sub-seconds dial rests at the 6 o’clock position, swept by ornate, original blued steel hands.

• Movement: A high-grade precision mechanical movement. As inscribed on the dust cover, it features a 15-jewel lever escapement (15 rubis, Ancre) and keyless stem-wind, pin-set operation (Remontoir).

Item Specifics

• Era / Year: Circa 1916 (World War I)

• Military Branch: Imperial German Navy

• Case Material: Solid Silver

• Total Weight: 236 Grams (8.32 oz) – Extremely heavy/massive

• Case Diameter: 69mm (Oversize / Deck Watch size)

• Crystal: Pristine condition, minimal wear

• Included Documentation: Professional Appraisal Certificate for $5,000 USD

Condition Report This timepiece remains in remarkable antique condition. The solid silver case exhibits a beautiful, honest patina and micro-wear wholly consistent with its genuine military provenance and over a century of history. The deeply engraved case back retains excellent definition. The enamel dial is superbly preserved, presenting cleanly with no immediately visible hairlines in the principal viewing areas. The hinges are tight, and the covers snap shut securely.

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