Achille Hirsch was a French that emigrated to La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland in the 1870's. He was an employee in the watchmaking industry. At first he worked using the local traditional watchmaking methods. Sometime in the 1880's, Achille built and open his own watchmaking factory; it was an innovative company, one of the first watch manufactures to use machinery and production lines process to produce integrate components.

In the beginning of the 20th century, the company was one of the biggest producers of watches in La Chaux-de-Fonds; employing more than 100 workers, the factory produced a huge range of watches, thousands of watches. Also, the firm was one of the first manufacturers to seriously consider wristwatches producing them since 1902.

Over the years, Achille Hirsch registered dozens of brands, he was one of the most prolific watchmakers in Switzerland. His brands included: Vigilant, Tosca, Normal, Unicum, Sopra. Stentor, Travail, Antoine, Climax, Omnibus, Velox, Corona, Invar and Criterion.

Around 1917, Hirco was one of the brands (or trademark) registered by A. Hirsch Co. to export watches from Switzerland to Chicago.


HIRCO Wristwatch
Military Style
"Service Watch"
By A. Hirsch Co.

From the WWII era, this unique timepiece is a vintage "Service Watch", Hirco wristwatch dated from the 1940's. It is a manual wind watch with a A. Hirsch Co. movement, 17 jewels, central second.

It has the original butler finished dial with Arabic Numerals, bold minute and second marks, luminous hands. Also, the dial is signed with the HIRCO name and SWISS.

It is 31.6mm round case and lugs design; stainless steel back. This watch is coming with a vintage DREMA-USA stainless steel flex bracelet.

After 80 years, this watch is still in lovely condition! Runs very well, keeps great time!

Thank you for looking! Please feel free to contact us with any questions, or respectful offers.

Movement:
A. Hirsch Co.
17 Jewels

Case Back Markers:
Service Watch
Duralast
Water and Dust Protected
Stainless Steel Back

Measures (mm):
Case Diameter 31.6
Case Lug to Lug 38.5
Case Thickness 10.5
Lug Width 16
Band Width 16

Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men's watches typically measure between 29-36mm (some larger, some smaller) wide excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women's watches from the 1900s-1970s were also somewhat smaller than today’s offerings in many cases. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.

We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust light, when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.

The condition is pre-owned.
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended.
See all the photos, feel free to ask questions if you have any.

It will be carefully packed.

Check out my other items listed.
Thanks for looking!

WA-2075