Vintage Wizard Trench Watch Swiss Made Military WWI Wristwatch

Watch Overview

This is a vintage Wizard trench wristwatch, produced circa 1910s, during the transitional period from pocket watches to early wristwatches. It is powered by a Swiss manual-wind mechanical movement made by ERA Watch Co., featuring 1 jewels and a small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock.

The white enamel dial features bold Arabic numerals with radium-style lume, blued cathedral hands, and a black outer "railroad" minute track. The dial remains clean and preserved for its age, showing light aging and patina.

The watch is housed in a round “gunmetal” case with wire lugs and a snap-on back, typical of World War I-era trench watches. The crown is onion-shaped and manually wound. The case shows oxidation and surface wear consistent with age. It is coming with a red nylon one-pice strap. The watch is currently Running and serviced on 09/2025.

Product Details

General Specifications

• Brand: Wizard
• Manufacturer: ERA Watch Co.
• Type: Wristwatch (Trench Watch)
• Model / Reference: -
• Year / Era: circa 1910s - Vintage / WWI Era
• Gender: Men's
• Country of Manufacture: Switzerland - Swiss Made

Dial & Display

• Display: Analog
• Color: White enamel
• Features: Arabic numerals with aged luminous paint, black minute track, and blued cathedral-style hands with a small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock.

Movement

• Type: Mechanical
• Jewels: 1
• Movement Functions:
  • Manual-winding
  • Central hours and minutes
  • Small seconds
  • 1 Adjustment

Case & Band

• Material: Gunmetal (oxidized steel)
• Case Shape: Round with wire lugs
• Bezel: Fixed, smooth
• Back: Snap-on
• Crown: Onion-style, pull-push
• Water Resistance: -
• Band Type: Red nylon one-piece strap
• Case Back Markings: ERA Watch Co. - Swiss

Case Measurements (mm)

• Case Size: 34
• Case Diameter w/Crown: 36.5
• Case Thickness: 10.5
• Lug Width: 12

Additional Info

• Box & Papers: NO
• Condition: The watch is in fair vintage condition with oxidation and surface rust visible on the case, a clean dial, and original movement.
• Extras: This timepiece has been fully inspected and authenticated by our in-house watchmaker, confirming that it runs accurately. It is ready to wear.

History & Legacy of Wizard / ERA Watch Co.

Wizard was a trade name used on early 20th-century Swiss wristwatches imported primarily to the U.S. and U.K. markets. These watches were often powered by movements manufactured by the ERA Watch Co., a Swiss company based in Grenchen active from the 1910s through the 1940s. ERA specialized in affordable mechanical calibers and supplied movements for various brands and retailers during and after World War I.

Wristwatches like this Wizard represent an important era in horology—the transition from pocket to wrist timepieces. During WWI, soldiers began wearing pocket watches adapted with wire lugs for practical wrist use, leading to the widespread adoption of the wristwatch after the war. Today, these “trench watches” are highly collectible for their historical significance and early design aesthetics.

About Second Hand Horology

At SECOND HAND HOROLOGY, we offer a curated selection of watches ranging from vintage to modern, including both brand-new and pre-owned timepieces. We’re committed to quality, accuracy, and integrity. Our listings feature:

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