West End Watch Company 'Matchless' Wristwatch, 1910s
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1910s
According to the seller, this antique Swiss wristwatch by West End Watch Company dates to the 1910s and was manufactured for the Indian Civil Service. The round case measures 32mm in diameter excluding the later winding crown and fixed wire lugs; originally plated, it has been polished back to brass, backed by a steel case back.
The white enamel dial is inscribed 'WEST END WATCH CO.' and 'MATCHLESS' in red, featuring black Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. The seller reports an internal hand-winding movement signed with the maker's logo, enclosed by an inner cuvette marked for the Indian Civil Service.
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
- Dial
- Signed enamel dial
- Type
- Military & trench watch
- Period
- 1910s
- Case diameter
- 32mm
- Movement type
- Hand-winding
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Service provenance
- Indian Civil Service
- Maker / attribution
- West End Watch Co.
Design
- Dial and Hands
- Visible features include a white enamel dial with black Arabic hour numerals, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds register positioned at 6 o'clock. The dial is inscribed with curved lettering 'WEST END WATCH CO.' above 'MATCHLESS' printed in red, and 'SWISS MADE' along the bottom edge. Time is indicated by blued steel poire-style hands. The seller notes that while the enamel dial is signed, it has a couple of faint hairline cracks.
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial featuring black Arabic hour numerals and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. • Brand lettering 'WEST END WATCH CO.' curved above 'MATCHLESS' printed in red. • Blued steel poire-style hour hand and long minute hand. • Circular polished brass-tone case equipped with fixed wire lugs and a fluted winding crown. • Marked 'SWISS MADE' along the bottom edge of the dial below the 6 o'clock position.
- Reported Movement and Markings
- The movement is not visible in the listing photograph. The seller reports that the watch contains a hand-winding movement signed with the West End logo, and claims that it is in working order. The seller also notes that the movement is protected by an inner cover marked for the Indian Civil Service, corresponding to their assertion that the watch was manufactured for that service.
- Case Construction and Components
- The circular case measures 32mm in diameter, excluding the winding crown and fixed wire lugs. The seller reports that the case was originally plated but has been polished back to brass, and is fitted with a steel case back. Multiple components are noted replacements in the listing. The fitted winding crown is described as later, the protective lens is described as a later replacement, and a new leather strap has been installed.
Identification
- 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: The movement and inner case back markings for the Indian Civil Service are seller-reported and not visible in the photograph.
- Research required: The winding crown, crystal lens, and leather strap are seller-noted replacements.