Ancre is French word that translates to "anchor" in English, it refers to a mechanical detail about the watch movement, that it is equipped with a lever escapement.
 
Ancre is also a trademark registered in 1898 by Picard Frere - Kleinuhrspiralen/federn; Paris, Frankreich; regsitriert am 9.9.1898. Henri Picard & Frere Ltd is a Horological Shop Tools founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland in 1853, and still active until today. They are also located in London and Paris. They are tool and material dealers, specializing in horological tools.
 
ANCRE 15 RUBIS
French Military Watch
WWII Wristwatch
 
This rare timepiece, with a military style, is a vintage mechanical WWII wristwatch dated from the 1940s and made in France or made in Switzerland for the German army. It is a manual wind watch with an AS movement from the AS 1200’s family. 15 jewels and sub-second hand.
 
The movement does not have any marks, which we can strongly guess that this watch was made (or finished) in France or Germany and sold domestically. The term "RUBIS" also tends to suggest European sale.
 
It has a super cool two-tone dial with printed Arabic Numerals, minute track and matching hands. The sub-second is located at 6 positions and the dial is signed with the European words ANCRE 15 RUBIS.
 
Cased in a 31.7mm stainless-steel round case and soldered lugs. If we can speculate, soldered lugs were very common for people who went off to WWII with their own watches and wanted the lugs to be a bit sturdier.
 
Matching perfect with the two-tone ochre color dial, this watch comes with a vintage rare military strap, it is a Nato style ochre color nylon one-piece bund strap.
 
This watch is in good condition! Runs very well and keep great time!
 
Thank you for looking! Please feel free to contact us with any questions or respectful offers.
 
Movement:
15 RUBIS

Case Back Markers:
FOND ACIER
INOXYDABLE

Measurements (mm):
Case Diameter 31.7
Case Diameter with Crown 33.8
Case Lug to Lug 37.5
Case Thickness 10
Lug Width 17
Band Width 17

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-0576