Vintage 1940s Helvetia 3190P30 Cal 800C 17J Military Style Swiss Watch 30mm

About this watch

A compact post-war Helvetia with a warm ivory-to-honey dial, bold Arabic numerals, an outer minute track and central sweep seconds. The steel screw back still carries its period wording for shock protection, rustproof steel back and waterproof construction, and inside is the signed Helvetia calibre 800C hand-wound movement with 17 jewels, marked "General Watch Company, Swiss".

This is a civilian example: no military-issue engraving or contract marking is visible, and it is not represented as an issued service watch. It is fitted with a later navy textured leather strap.

Brand heritage

Helvetia was the house brand of the General Watch Co. of Biel/Bienne, a company set up in the 1890s by the Brandt family, the owners of Omega, before becoming independent in the early 20th century. Helvetia built a reputation for tough, practical watches and was an early adopter of shock protection and waterproof cases, which is why its 1930s and 1940s watches are so often found in military-style form. Helvetia also supplied watches to the British Army in the Second World War.

Why this one is special

• Classic 1940s field-watch look with bold Arabic numerals
• Signed Helvetia / General Watch Co. calibre 800C, 17 jewels
• Period shock-protected, waterproof screw-back case
• Compact 30mm size typical of the era

Specifications

• Brand: Helvetia (General Watch Co.)
• Case reference: 3190P30
• Era: late 1940s
• Movement: Helvetia cal. 800C, hand-wound, 17 jewels, signed General Watch Company, Swiss
• Functions: hours, minutes, central sweep seconds
• Dial: aged ivory/honey with Arabic numerals and minute track
• Case: approx. 30 mm with steel screw back
• Strap: navy textured leather, a later replacement
• Made in Switzerland

Condition

Honest condition for its age. The watch is working well for a vintage timepiece. The dial shows pronounced age-related patina and spotting. The crystal, bezel, case and lugs show scratches, finish wear and oxidation consistent with decades of use. Service history is unknown and no guarantee of accuracy, power reserve or water resistance is offered. Please keep the watch dry. Please study all photos carefully; they form part of the description.

What's included

The watch on its strap. No box or papers.

Shipping & Returns

Ships from Cairo, Egypt. Please see the shipping and returns details in this listing.