Trench Watch Aesthetic: Plans and Alternatives

Main Project Aesthetics: Plans and Alternatives

For my main project, I am converting an antique pocket watch into a wristwatch, drawing inspiration from World War I trench watch conversions. The aesthetic I am pursuing is historically accurate and utilitarian, reflecting how soldiers in the early 20th century modified pocket watches for battlefield use. These trench watch conversions were often simple and functional, with cases that retained much of the original pocket watch design but had wire lugs brazed onto them to accommodate straps. This rough, practical approach represents the transition from pocket watches to men’s wristwatches, making it an important moment in horological history.

While I am committed to this historically inspired aesthetic, it is interesting to consider radically different alternatives.

Alternative Aesthetic 1: Art Deco Elegance

Instead of a military-inspired trench watch, what if I transformed the pocket watch into a luxurious Art Deco wristwatch from the 1920s or 1930s? This version would take inspiration from the highly stylized, geometric designs of the era, with:

• A rectangular or stepped case inspired by watches from brands like Cartier or Jaeger-LeCoultre.
• Polished metal accents, possibly in gold or rose gold instead of a raw brass or steel trench design.
• A stylized dial with bold numerals, guilloché textures, and blue steel hands to match the Art Deco aesthetic.
• A highly refined case with integrated lugs, replacing the DIY trench watch approach with a more sophisticated design.

This approach would move the project away from military history and into the realm of luxury and high fashion, creating a timepiece that feels like it belongs in a 1920s cocktail lounge rather than a World War I trench.

Alternative Aesthetic 2: Cyberpunk/Brutalist Industrial Design

What if I abandoned historical influences altogether and designed the watch case using a hyper-industrial, cyberpunk, or brutalist aesthetic? This would involve:

• A raw, machined metal case with exaggerated angles, possibly incorporating elements like exposed screws, rivets, or modular components.
• Asymmetrical or layered design, making the watch look like a functional piece of machinery rather than a traditional timepiece.
• A skeletonized dial with visible movement components, glowing accents, or even digital overlays that give it a futuristic appearance.

  

• A brushed steel or blackened titanium finish to emphasize the industrial aesthetic.

This version would feel completely different from both the WWI trench aesthetic and Art Deco luxury design. It would take the pocket watch out of its historical context and reimagine it as something that belongs in a sci-fi universe rather than the early 20th century.

Final Thoughts

While I remain mostly interested in my historically inspired trench watch conversion, considering alternative aesthetics helps me think critically about form, function, and the design choices I make. Each aesthetic tells a different story, and seeing how the same base object, a pocket watch, can be reinterpreted in wildly different ways is a valuable exercise in design flexibility.

For now, I will continue refining my trench watch conversion, ensuring that the final piece feels authentic, functional, and true to its historical origins. However, exploring alternative aesthetics could inspire future watch modification projects that break away from tradition.