Trench Driver’s Watch Black

We have faithfully recreated an early-1900s Waltham wristwatch with its distinctive retro character, adapting it for practical use today.

“Trench” refers to the trenches in which soldiers fought, particularly during the First World War of 1914–1918. Trench watches were worn by soldiers fighting from these dug-out positions. The trench coat shares the same origin, having been designed to protect its wearer from dirt and dust.

A driver’s watch is intended to be read while the wearer holds a steering wheel. Its history also reaches back to the early 20th century.

Why is the dial tilted? Our original account explains it as a design for wearing on the right wrist. The original account connects the design with British trench warfare during World War I. Britain, like Japan, drives on the left with right-hand-drive cars. In cars with manual gearboxes, the left hand operated the gear lever, making the right wrist a natural place for the watch—even for a right-handed wearer.

The padded strap has military-watch roots, recalling the adaptation of pocket watches for the wrist. Its backing provides a distinctive feeling of stability. At this size, it frames the watch without appearing overly flashy—rather like a well-chosen frame around a painting.

Trench Driver’s Watch — Black

The barrel-finished case has a matte appearance. The black dial has white hour markings and a black strap with a backing pad. Readability matters equally in a trench watch and a driver’s watch.

The KEYFORD logo sits at 12 o’clock. A recessed small-seconds display at 6 uses a blue hand, echoed by the blue edging of the hour and minute hands to unify the design.

Product specifications — Trench Driver’s Watch — Black

Movement: Japanese-made 12-hour quartz movement with small seconds. Accuracy at room temperature: 20 seconds per month (reference value).

Case: Stainless steel.

Battery: Silver-oxide SR621SW. Approximate battery life: 3 years.

Water resistance: 3 ATM. For everyday use; not a deep-water diving watch.

Crystal: Domed mineral glass.

Case dimensions: 33 mm wide excluding the crown; 43 mm long including lugs; 10 mm thick.

Strap backing pad: 36 × 78 mm.