Alpina German U-Boat Commander Trench Watch Conversion

This is a vintage manual-wind wristwatch by Alpina, featuring a circular nickel or silver-plated case with wire-style lugs typical of the early 20th-century trench watch aesthetic. The cream-colored dial exhibits a significant aged patina with fine stippling and foxing throughout. It features black Arabic numerals and a small seconds sub-dial at the 6 o'clock position. The blued steel hands contrast against the dial, which is marked with the 'Alpina' cursive logo. Most notably, the dial is decorated with two historically significant military symbols: a black Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz) to the left of the center pinion and a graphic illustration of a German U-boat submarine to the right. The watch is fitted with an oversized, fluted onion-style crown at the 12 o'clock position, indicating its origin as a pocket watch or marine chronometer that was converted for wrist wear. The case shows minor surface abrasions consistent with age and use. The leather strap is a modern replacement. These military-themed watches were often marketed to or commissioned for naval officers during the World War I to World War II eras, though the specific assembly suggests a trench-style conversion of a high-quality Swiss/German movement.