WWI TRENCH WATCH

How World War I soldiers gave America the wristwatch A trench watch from World War One is a wrist-worn timepiece, a transitional design bridging pocket watches and modern wristwatches, that provide soldiers with a practical, easy-to-read, and durable way to keep accurate time in the difficult conditions of trench warfare. They featured prominent features like Arabic numerals, radium-luminous dials, and wire lugs for a strap, all designed to enhance legibility and usability during combat, especially at night or in bad weather. Key Characteristics Purpose: To provide soldiers with a practical and readable timepiece for synchronized attacks and battle planning. Design: A transitional design between pocket and wristwatch, they often featured a classical round shape with wire lugs for attaching a strap. Legibility: Designed for clear reading in various conditions. Arabic Numerals: Preferred over Roman numerals for easier, quicker reading. Radium Dials: Applied to hands and numerals to make them glow in the dark. Durability: Evolved from pocket watch designs, becoming more robust with shatterproof crystals and durable case materials like steel or silver. Features: Some models had hinged front covers for added protection and a red-highlighted 12 o'clock numeral to aid orientation in the dark. Why They Were Necessary Impracticality of Pocket Watches: I'm unsure if it is in working order.