A. LANGE & SÖHNE WWII-ERA TRENCH WATCH CONVERSION - BLACK GILT DIAL WITH SUBSECONDS
Condition
Very Good for Age
Description
An extraordinary and exceptionally rare A. Lange & Söhne trench watch conversion, featuring a striking original black gilt dial with luminous Arabic numerals and subsidiary seconds, preserved in remarkable condition for its age. This watch represents a fascinating intersection of early 20th-century military horology and modern haute craftsmanship. Originally produced as a trench or officer’s watch during the interwar or World War II period, the timepiece has been expertly converted for contemporary wrist wear, retaining the integrity and character of the original Lange dial and movement while offering modern usability. The crisp gilt printing, elegant railway minute track, and perfectly balanced sub-seconds at 9 o’clock speak to Lange’s uncompromising standards, even in utilitarian wartime production. The watch is housed in a beautifully proportioned case with a distinctive beaded bezel and oversized onion crown, evoking classic military design while elevating it into true collector territory. Gold-toned feuille hands complement the warm numerals against the deep black dial, creating exceptional contrast and legibility. Paired with a high-quality black leather strap, the watch presents as both historically significant and effortlessly wearable. A. Lange & Söhne military-era pieces are exceedingly scarce, particularly examples with intact black dials and gilt text, which are among the most sought-after configurations by advanced collectors worldwide. Trench watch conversions of this caliber are rarely encountered and almost never offered publicly. This is more than a watch; it's a museum-worthy artifact from one of the most revered names in horology. A true cornerstone piece for a serious private collection, military watch enthusiast, or connoisseur of early German watchmaking. An exceptional opportunity to acquire a genuine rarity with profound historical and horological importance.
Provenance
Private Collector, Hamptons NY
