WWI German Navy “Kaiserliche Marine” Triple Calendar Moonphase Pocket Watch 1916

We are exceptionally proud to offer this museum-quality, highly complicated military timepiece. Manufactured circa 1916, this formidable 65mm oversized pocket watch was commissioned as an award or presentation piece for the Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial German Navy) during the First World War.

The gunmetal caseback features a deeply struck, masterfully detailed engraving of a Dreadnought-class battleship cutting through the waves, underscored by the Gothic script “Kaiserliche Marine.” Watches of this size, complexity, and specific military provenance are exceedingly rare, often reserved for high-ranking naval officers or as prestigious awards for distinguished service in the High Seas Fleet (Hochseeflotte).

Beyond its military history, this piece is a horological triumph, featuring a full triple calendar (day, date, month) alongside a stunningly enameled moonphase complication.

Detailed Specifications

The Case

• Material: Gunmetal (blued steel), highly favored in military applications for its anti-reflective properties and durability. It has developed a stunning, authentic historical patina.

• Size: Massive 65mm oversized (“Goliath” style) case, designed for exceptional legibility on the bridge of a ship.

• Caseback: Elaborate and highly detailed intaglio engraving of a WWI German battleship with Kaiserliche Marine designation.

• Inner Cuvette: Features a rare glazed exhibition dust cover (glass crystal over the movement). This allows the complex mechanics to be admired safely without exposing the delicate gears to sea salt, dust, or moisture.

The Dial & Hands

• Dial: Crisp, pristine white enamel dial featuring Arabic numerals, designed for precision timekeeping.

• Hands: Elaborate, ornate Louis XV-style hands in a rich rose-gold gilt, providing striking contrast against the enamel.

• Complications: Four elegantly proportioned subsidiary dials indicating the full calendar and lunar cycle:

  • 12 o’Clock: Month indicator

  • 3 o’Clock: Day of the week indicator

  • 9 o’Clock: Date (1–31) indicator

  • 6 o’Clock: Constant seconds overlapping a beautifully enameled night sky Moonphase disc, complete with a golden moon and stars.

• Note: Calendar registers are elegantly detailed in French.

The Movement

• Type: High-grade, complex mechanical manual-wind movement.

• Setting: Crown-wind and pin-set (a pusher near the crown is depressed to set the time, a hallmark of robust military and early 20th-century timepieces).

• Condition: The movement is remarkably clean, featuring frosted gilt plates, exposed winding wheels, and a beautifully active escapement, all clearly visible and protected beneath the glazed inner cover. Serial number prominently stamped.

Condition Report

This historical timepiece is in excellent antique condition. The oversized gunmetal case retains a handsome, unpolished patina consistent with a century of history. The intricate naval engraving remains sharp and deeply defined. The enamel dial is remarkably preserved, and the intricate hands are fully intact. The glazed movement cover is clear and free of major flaws.

Investment Potential

Antique military timepieces featuring high complications (especially triple calendars with moonphase) represent a highly sought-after intersection of horology and military history. Accompanied by its $5,000 appraisal certificate, this Kaiserliche Marine presentation watch is not just a functioning mechanical marvel, but a substantial, museum-tier investment piece.

Shipping & Handling: Item will be securely packaged, fully insured, and shipped via expedited courier with signature tracking to ensure safe delivery of this historical artifact. Please review all high-resolution photographs as they are part of the description.