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 clean and well-running, though also unsigned.

NB: This watch is offered for sale as seen, as the watches service history is unknown and we are selling it on behalf of a watch collector's family who have asked us to help sell an entire collection. As there are quite a few watches to dispose of, the clients do not wish to spend unnecessary money on servicing each watch before its sold so we have priced the watches to reflect it being sold un-serviced and without a warranty but it can be arranged with our watchmaker at an additional cost if you wish. Once you have made the purchase please add a note when placing it in your basket and we will contact you to discuss this. Once serviced the watch will be given a 12-month warranty.