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Watches were part of the set of tools for WW1 soldiers. These were tools of many soldiers on the fields that beaten up. Many people speak about Rolex's, or Seiko SKX 007's that can handle everything beat up, but the early military watches couldn't take up those beatings, certainly because of the crystal used. Many were using protective inserts or grills/mesh. These were also called the time, very simply as "mesh guard" or watch protector".
The watch protector was either built with the case, or added as a piece attached to the case, or hold with a leather strap.
Mostly used by trench soldiers
