The History of Military Wristwatches: From WWI to Now

In war, every second matters—but sometimes, it’s those final five minutes before an attack that define the outcome of battle. Precision, coordination, and readiness can mean the difference between success and disaster. That’s why, during World War I, the wristwatch became more than just a timepiece; it became a vital military tool. The transition from pocket watches to wristwatches was not just a change in fashion—it was a battlefield necessity.

The Trench Watch: A Timepiece for Soldiers

Before WWI, men typically carried pocket watches, while wristwatches (or "wristlets") were seen as jewelry for women. But in the trenches, soldiers quickly realized that pulling out a pocket watch in the chaos of battle was impractical. In those critical five minutes before an attack, fumbling for a timepiece could cost lives.

Watchmakers responded by creating the trench watch, a rugged wristwatch designed for combat. These early military watches featured:

• Luminous Dials – Radium-painted numerals for visibility in darkness.
• Wire Lugs & Leather Straps – Making them wearable on the wrist for quick glances.
• Shatterproof Crystals – Protecting the watch face from the shock of explosions.
• Sub-Seconds Dial – Providing precise timekeeping for synchronized operations.

Timing the Battlefield

WWI revolutionized military strategy. Gone were the days of chaotic, uncoordinated charges. Instead, modern warfare required carefully timed maneuvers. Wristwatches became essential for synchronized attacks, with officers setting their watches to the same time—often checking them in those crucial five minutes before battle commenced.

One of the most significant moments in military timekeeping history came during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. British forces relied on synchronized wristwatches to time artillery barrages, ensuring that troops advanced at the right moment. Soldiers huddled in the trenches, gripping their weapons, eyes fixed on their watches—waiting for the exact second to go "over the top."

The Legacy of Military Watches

By the war’s end, the wristwatch was no longer a novelty but a necessity. Returning soldiers continued wearing their military watches, influencing civilian fashion and proving their durability beyond the battlefield. The rugged, functional design of WWI watches laid the foundation for the watches we build, timepieces built for precision, reliability, and endurance in the most demanding situations.

Modern military watches still carry the DNA of their WWI predecessors, featuring:

• Bold, high-contrast dials for quick reading
• Luminous hands for night operations
• Shock-resistant and water-resistant designs for extreme conditions

More Than Just Timekeeping

In both war and life, those five minutes before an event can be the most crucial—whether it’s an impending battle, a mission briefing, or a high-stakes operation. Military watches, born from the trenches of WWI, continue to serve as a reminder that preparedness, precision, and reliability are the keys to success.

Today, our watches carry that same spirit, built for those who demand unwavering performance—whether in the field, on a mission, or simply navigating the challenges of everyday life. Because sometimes, five minutes before is all the time you have to make history.