Borgel Cased Asprey Officer’s Wristwatch (Sterling Silver, 1915)
Ref 1150
A very fine and historically important early wristwatch, this Borgel-cased timepiece was retailed by the prestigious London house Asprey and dates to 1915. Measuring 34.7mm excluding the crown with a 16mm strap width, it offers a strong wrist presence while retaining the elegant proportions typical of early First World War–era officer’s watches.
At its core is a beautifully preserved white enamel dial in exceptional condition, featuring bold Roman numerals, a distinctive red “12”, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock. The dial remains remarkably well preserved for its age, a testament to the quality of its original manufacture and careful preservation over more than a century.
The watch is housed in a high-quality Silver Borgel waterproof case, manufactured by the renowned François Borgel Watch Case Company of Geneva and marked FB on the inner case. These cases are highly regarded for their innovative screw-in design and were widely used for military and officer-issued wristwatches during the First World War. The case back bears a monogram engraving, and the exterior remains in excellent condition with strong lines and crisp construction. The Birmingham hallmark confirms its dating to 1915. The case is crafted in solid sterling silver, further enhancing its historical and material significance.
François Borgel is especially celebrated for pioneering robust, dust- and moisture-resistant cases at a time when wristwatches were still emerging from pocket watch conversions. Borgel-cased watches became synonymous with military reliability, and their association with First World War officers has cemented their place in early wristwatch history.
The watch is accompanied by its original-style vintage Asprey presentation box, enhancing its historical charm and collectability.
Each of our watches is carefully cleaned and serviced by an experienced watchmaker to ensure reliable performance while preserving its vintage character. For added peace of mind, it is supplied complete with a 12-month mechanical warranty and a new presentation box.
Brand: Asprey (Retailed)
Case Maker: François Borgel, Geneva (FB marked)
Period: 1915
Case Material: Sterling Silver
Case Size: 34.7mm (excluding crown)
Strap Width: 16mm
Dial: White Enamel Dial with Roman Numerals, Red “12”, Subsidiary Seconds
Caseback: Monogram Engraved
Movement: Early Swiss Mechanical Movement (Period Correct)
Case Type: Borgel Waterproof Case
Condition: Excellent Vintage Condition for Age
Accessories: Vintage Asprey Presentation Box
Warranty: 12-Month Mechanical Warranty
Presentation: Supplied with a New Presentation Box
A highly collectible and historically significant early wristwatch, combining Borgel’s pioneering waterproof case design, Asprey retail provenance, and a beautifully preserved enamel dial. A superb example of First World War–era officer’s wristwatch craftsmanship.
Borgel Cased Asprey Officer’s Wristwatch (Sterling Silver, 1915)
Ref 1150
A very fine and historically important early wristwatch, this Borgel-cased timepiece was retailed by the prestigious London house Asprey and dates to 1915. Measuring 34.7mm excluding the crown with a 16mm strap width, it offers a strong wrist presence while retaining the elegant proportions typical of early First World War–era officer’s watches.
At its core is a beautifully preserved white enamel dial in exceptional condition, featuring bold Roman numerals, a distinctive red “12”, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock. The dial remains remarkably well preserved for its age, a testament to the quality of its original manufacture and careful preservation over more than a century.
The watch is housed in a high-quality Silver Borgel waterproof case, manufactured by the renowned François Borgel Watch Case Company of Geneva and marked FB on the inner case. These cases are highly regarded for their innovative screw-in design and were widely used for military and officer-issued wristwatches during the First World War. The case back bears a monogram engraving, and the exterior remains in excellent condition with strong lines and crisp construction. The Birmingham hallmark confirms its dating to 1915. The case is crafted in solid sterling silver, further enhancing its historical and material significance.
François Borgel is especially celebrated for pioneering robust, dust- and moisture-resistant cases at a time when wristwatches were still emerging from pocket watch conversions. Borgel-cased watches became synonymous with military reliability, and their association with First World War officers has cemented their place in early wristwatch history.
The watch is accompanied by its original-style vintage Asprey presentation box, enhancing its historical charm and collectability.
Each of our watches is carefully cleaned and serviced by an experienced watchmaker to ensure reliable performance while preserving its vintage character. For added peace of mind, it is supplied complete with a 12-month mechanical warranty and a new presentation box.
Brand: Asprey (Retailed)
Case Maker: François Borgel, Geneva (FB marked)
Period: 1915
Case Material: Sterling Silver
Case Size: 34.7mm (excluding crown)
Strap Width: 16mm
Dial: White Enamel Dial with Roman Numerals, Red “12”, Subsidiary Seconds
Caseback: Monogram Engraved
Movement: Early Swiss Mechanical Movement (Period Correct)
Case Type: Borgel Waterproof Case
Condition: Excellent Vintage Condition for Age
Accessories: Vintage Asprey Presentation Box
Warranty: 12-Month Mechanical Warranty
Presentation: Supplied with a New Presentation Box
A highly collectible and historically significant early wristwatch, combining Borgel’s pioneering waterproof case design, Asprey retail provenance, and a beautifully preserved enamel dial. A superb example of First World War–era officer’s wristwatch craftsmanship.
