Anonymous Dial Officers Trench Watch, 9k Gold Case Signed 'AK', circa 1915

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

A Beautifully Preserved WW1 Officers Trench Watch in 9k Gold with a Brilliant White Enamel Dial and Flat Onion Crown, c.1915 Trench watches emerged during World War I as a practical solution for soldiers who needed to tell time quickly in combat. Evolving from pocket watches, they featured wire lugs for straps, luminous dials, and protective shrapnel guards. These early wristwatches marked a turning point in horology, shifting public preference from pocket to wrist-worn timepieces. Blending military function with civilian style, trench watches paved the way for the modern wristwatch, combining utility, durability, and timeless design. What's on Offer We’re delighted to offer this beautifully preserved WWI trench watch, dating to around 1915 — a fine example of early wristwatch history, likely commissioned for a British officer. Housed in a solid 9ct gold case and fitted with classic wire lugs and a flat onion-style crown, this watch reflects the unmistakable military styling of the Great War period. The standout feature is its brilliant white enamel dial, which remains in superb condition for its age. The black Roman numerals add a refined elegance, while the red XII is a particularly charming touch — a detail often seen on trench watches from this era, thought to help officers quickly orient the dial in high-stress situations. It features a sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock and elegant blued steel hands, completing the balanced and highly legible layout. The dial itself is unsigned — common at the time — though the inner case back is signed “AK,” a hallmark that may refer to Arthur Kenneth, a lesser-documented English case maker of the period. The movement is also unsigned.