WWI Imperial Pilot Ace Award Pocket Watch Tsar Nicholas II Capt Smirnov 47mm

Offered for your most serious consideration is an extraordinary and historically monumental Imperial military award pocket watch, dating to the pivotal WWI era (circa 1916-1917). This museum-quality timepiece represents an era when military aviation was in its absolute infancy, and the men who took to the skies were regarded as modern knights engaging in unprecedented, high-stakes aerial combat.

This specific 47mm 18k gold-plated silver pocket watch was presented as a profound recognition of gallantry. It was awarded personally by Tsar Nicholas II to Captain Ivan Smirnov, an elite pilot ace whose bravery in the skies became legendary. Captain Smirnov served with tremendous distinction in the illustrious 19th Avio Regiment, an elite squadron famously guided by the fierce motto “Death or Glory.”

Because early combat pilots faced staggering mortality rates, the regiment adopted an ethos of stoic acceptance of their fate, embracing the “Memento Mori” (Remember that you must die) philosophy. This watch has been meticulously preserved and comes directly from the captain’s family estate, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a direct, highly personal artifact from the dawn of military aviation.

Detailed Condition & Specifications Report

The Award Dial & Hands The original white enamel dial is a breathtaking testament to its high-ranking military heritage and is rich with hand-finished symbolism.

• Inscriptions & Motifs: The upper center of the dial bears the prominent Cyrillic inscription “ЗА ХРАБРОСТЬ” (For Bravery). Below this inscription, the dial is flanked on the left by a meticulously detailed,   double-headed Imperial eagle and skull-the emblem of 19th regiment, representing the highest level of state authority. To the right, it features a beautifully rendered  depiction of a WWI-era military biplane in flight, a rare and highly desirable motif for aviation collectors.

• Timekeeping Track: The hours are designated by crisp, deeply fired black Roman numerals, which are tracked by an ornate, highly stylized set of golden antique filigree hands.

• Subsidiary Dial: Located at the 6 o’clock position is a recessed subsidiary seconds dial. Striking in its bespoke design, the center of this sub-dial displays the Imperial Order of Saint Stanislaus, further adding to the unique military significance of the piece.

The Regimental Case & Engravings

• Exterior Case Back: The substantial 47mm case is expertly forged from 18k gold-plated solid silver. The case back is entirely dominated by the spectacular, high-relief sculpted emblem of the 19th Avio Regiment. This breathtaking insignia features a formidable double-headed eagle centered with a macabre skull and crossbones. Below the skull rests a pair of crossed swords overlaid with a classic aviation propeller. The entire emblem is surmounted by the Roman numeral “XIX” (representing the 19th Regiment) and is anchored at the base by a beautifully textured banner reading “MEMENTO MORI”.

• Inner Case Marks: The inside of the case back is formally stamped with the “0,800” hallmark, guaranteeing its solid silver purity, and is accompanied by the traditional crown and crescent silver stamps.

• The Cuvette (Dust Cover): The polished inner dust cover acts as a testament to the watch’s internal quality. It is elegantly hand-engraved in cursive script with the words “Ancre,” “Ligne Droite,” and “15 Rubis,” thoroughly documenting the high-grade mechanical specifications of the enclosed movement.

The Precision Movement

• Mechanics: Powering this historical Imperial award is a pristine, 15-jewel manual-wind mechanical movement. It features a highly reliable straight-line lever escapement (Ancre Ligne Droite), designed to keep accurate time even under the rigorous conditions faced by military officers. The movement displays a classic, architectural bridge layout with exposed winding gears and a beautifully polished balance wheel.

• Operating Condition: Despite its age and combat provenance, this exceptional pilot’s watch remains in perfect working order, winding smoothly and maintaining time accurately.

Terms of Sale This antique military presentation timepiece is a functioning piece of world history and is sold exactly as photographed. Please review all high-resolution images carefully, as they form a definitive part of the description.