Product Details

Up for sale is an authentic, unpolished 1940s vintage Swiss-made Watex mechanical field watch. It features a striking black military dial, syringe hands, red central seconds, and beautiful "tropical" patina.Proven History: The case back is cleanly engraved: "M.D. SKEELS | 12-25-44". Archival data heavily points to Marion DeWitt Skeels (b. 1920) of Kansas, located right near Fort Riley—a massive WWII Officer Candidate School hub. The precise date places this watch at the absolute peak of the Battle of the Bulge, a time when fine Swiss watches were gifted to young servicemen right before deployment. Movement & Maker: Inside is a remarkably clean, fully operational, running 15-Jewel Swiss movement. The bridge is proudly stamped "LOUIS FRIEDMAN", matching a hand-scribed 1956 service mark inside, proving its mid-century retail lineage. Fully intact, historic, and ticking! Recent service history unknown. Sold As Is.