WWI Imperial Officer’s Award Pocket Watch c.1914 – Attributed to Viktor Gabu

Offered for your consideration is an exceptionally rare, museum-grade artifact from the crucible of the First World War. This remarkable Imperial Officer’s award pocket watch, attributed to the esteemed horologist Viktor Gabu, dates precisely to the historic 1914-1915 period of the Great War.

Timepieces of this caliber were never commercial items; they were prestigious presentation pieces awarded to high-ranking military officers for extraordinary valor, leadership, and service. The case back is a profound historical canvas, bearing the majestic Imperial double-headed eagle alongside a beautifully rendered red enamel military order cross Order of Saint Anna and a striking black enamel pennant that translates to “WAR 1914-1915”. To find an award watch from this specific theater of the war with its original military-themed bullet fob intact is an exceedingly rare opportunity for serious collectors of military horology and Imperial history.

Item Specifications

• Maker: Attributed to Viktor Gabu

• Era: World War I (Circa 1914-1915)

• Case Dimensions: 50mm diameter (excluding crown and bow)

• Case Material: 18k Gold Plated

• Case Decoration: Masterfully crafted applied Imperial double-headed eagle in gold relief. Flanked by a vibrant red enamel and gold crown-surmounted military cross order of St.Anna, and a black enamel plaque reading “War 1914-1915”.

• Dial: Pristine original white enamel dial. Features intricate, ornate gilt hands, clearly visible Arabic numerals, and a finely calibrated sub-seconds dial at the 6 o’clock position.

• Movement: High-grade, Swiss-crafted manual wind mechanical movement. The plates and gears exhibit highly precise engineering typical of Gabu’s top-tier military commissions.

• Accessories: The watch is accompanied by its original, matching gold-plated pocket watch chain, culminating in an authentic, historically resonant brass bullet fob.

Condition Report

Grade: Perfect / Museum Quality

This historic timepiece has been impeccably preserved.

• Case: The 18k gold plating remains bright and rich with virtually no signs of brassing. The applied gold emblems and intricate enamel work on the case back are fully intact, vibrant, and free from chips or deep scratching.

• Dial: The pristine white enamel dial is flawless, retaining its glossy finish with no visible hairlines, chips, or restorations.

• Movement: The movement is exceptionally clean, bright, and functioning beautifully, reflecting meticulous care over the last century.

• Chain & Fob: The gold-plated rope chain and heavy brass bullet fob remain in excellent, original condition, completing this extraordinary presentation set perfectly.

A true centerpiece for any advanced collection of military antiquities or high-end antique horology. This is a fleeting chance to own a fully documented, museum-ready piece of World War I heritage.