1916 Omega Signal Corps U.S.A. Trench Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1916
Maker / issuer
OmegaThis 1916 Omega military trench watch was produced following a request from the U.S. Army's Chief Signal Officer for a dedicated military wristwatch. The timepiece is characterized by its white enamel dial bearing the inscription "Signal Corps U.S.A." and large Arabic numerals that have developed a pumpkin-colored patina.
It is housed in an oxidized nickel case with fixed strap bars and an onion-style crown. The watch retains blued cathedral hands. It is supplied with a single-pass canvas strap featuring a bakelite buckle. Omega was one of seven Swiss manufacturers to provide watches for the Signal Corps, and today, examples of this specific Omega model are noted as being among the rarer variants of these military-issued trench watches.
The watch is currently running, although its service history remains unverified by the vendor.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- 1916
- Type
- Military trench watch
- Strap
- Single-pass canvas strap with bakelite buckle
- Dial Inscription
- Signal Corps U.S.A.
- Maker / attribution
- Omega
Design
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial with 'Signal Corps U.S.A.' signature • Onion-style crown • Fixed strap bars • Small seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock
- Historical Context
- This timepiece relates to the U.S. Army's Signal Corps, a division responsible for communications during World War I. The Chief Signal Officer requested a specific wristwatch design, which required "first class" workmanship, a white enamel dial, and white or blue Arabic numerals. Omega was one of seven Swiss manufacturers commissioned to supply these watches. The vendor notes that these Omega-produced Signal Corps watches are rarer today than those produced by other identified suppliers such as Zenith.
- Condition and Maintenance
- The vendor states the watch is currently operational, although the service history is not known. The external components are described as being in good condition for the age of the watch, with minimal signs of wear reported. The luminous material applied to the dial and hands has a coloration that matches the aged indices.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The case features an onion-style crown, which the vendor reports appears to be original. The watch is worn on a single-pass canvas strap that includes a brown bakelite buckle. The dial is white enamel and includes the signature "Signal Corps U.S.A." at the top. It features large Arabic numerals that have acquired a pumpkin-toned patina. The display is completed with blued cathedral hands. There is evidence of minor cracking on the dial surface near the 12 o'clock position.
Identification
- Serial number
- 50XXXXX
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Service history is unknown
- Research required: The lume on the dial and hands may have been restored
- Research required: The exact material composition of the case is labeled as oxidized nickel