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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Trench watch

Anonymous Dial Officers Trench Watch in 9k Gold Case

Partially verified

This early 20th-century manual-wind trench wristwatch dates to circa 1915 and is cased in 9k gold measuring 31 mm in diameter. Fitted with wire lugs and an onion-style crown, the watch features an unsigned white enamel dial displaying black Roman numerals, a red numeral XII, blued steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock. The hinged case back reveals an unsigned 15-jewel mechanical movement with an index regulator. The inner case back bears the sponsor mark 'AK', attributed by the seller as possibly referring to English case maker Arthur Kenneth.

Back view showing open hinged case back, unsigned 15-jewel manual-wind movement, and onion crown
Back view showing open hinged case back, unsigned 15-jewel manual-wind movement, and onion crown — Vintage Watch Specialist. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintagewatchspecialist.com
Category
Wristwatch · Trench watch
Maker / attribution
Not established
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
vws3613cs
Source-reported date
c. 1915
Country
Not established

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Construction and Hallmarking

The timepiece is cased in solid 9ct gold with an overall diameter of 31 mm, a lug height of 33 mm, and fixed wire lugs measuring 14 mm in width. It features a fluted, flat onion-style crown at the 3 o'clock position and is fitted with a hinged case back opening to reveal the movement. The listing specifies a plexiglass crystal and a brown leather strap.

Internally, the case back is signed with the mark 'AK'. The seller suggests this hallmark may refer to Arthur Kenneth, whom they describe as a lesser-documented English case maker of the period, though this attribution remains unverified.

Evidence for this section
  • “Housed in a solid 9ct gold case and fitted with classic wire lugs and a flat onion-style crown”
  • “Lug Height 33mm Width 31mm Lug width 14mm”
  • “the inner case back is signed “AK,” a hallmark that may refer to Arthur Kenneth, a lesser-documented English case maker of the period.”

Dial and Hands

The watch features a white enamel dial designed with black Roman numeral hour markers and a contrasting red numeral at XII. Time is indicated via blued steel hands alongside a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock.

The dial is unsigned by any brand or retailer, presenting an anonymous layout characteristic of many trench watches from this period.

Evidence for this section
  • “The standout feature is its brilliant white enamel dial”
  • “The black Roman numerals add a refined elegance, while the red XII is a particularly charming touch”
  • “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”

Movement and Listing Conditions

The manual-wind mechanical movement is unsigned, with an unknown calibre recorded as containing 15 jewels. Visual inspection shows visible winding wheels, jewelled pivot settings, and an index regulator pointing between 'R' and 'S'.

The watch is dated by the seller to circa 1915 and is offered for sale as seen on behalf of a collector's family. The seller notes that its service history is unknown and that it is sold unserviced without warranty unless separate servicing is arranged.

Evidence for this section
  • “Visible winding wheels, balance wheel with regulator pointing between 'R' and 'S', and jewelled pivot settings”
  • “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.”

Open research questions

  • What specific assay office and date letter hallmarks accompany the 'AK' sponsor mark on the interior of the 9k gold case back?
  • Can the unsigned 15-jewel movement ébauche be identified by plate layout, bridge architecture, or setting-lever spring design under the dial?
  • Is the 'AK' sponsor mark definitively identifiable in English assay office registers (such as London, Birmingham, or Chester) for the circa 1915 period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Anonymous Dial Officers Trench Watch in 9k Gold Case
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case Material9k Gold“Housed in a solid 9ct gold case and fitted with classic wire lugs”
Case Maker MarkAK“the inner case back is signed “AK,” a hallmark that may refer to Arthur Kenneth”
Movement Jewels15j“Jewels 15j”
Case Width31mm“Width 31mm”
Lug Width14mm“Lug width 14mm”
Dial FeaturesWhite enamel with red XII and sub-seconds“The black Roman numerals add a refined elegance, while the red XII is a particularly charming touch”
Lug Height33mm“Lug Height 33mm”
Hands DescriptionBlued steel“elegant blued steel hands”

Visible details

  • Hinged case back opened to show the manual-wind movement and internal case finish
  • Visible winding wheels, balance wheel with regulator pointing between 'R' and 'S', and jewelled pivot settings
  • Fluted onion-style crown located at the 3 o'clock position
  • Fitted with fixed wire lugs accommodating a brown leather strap

Research qualifications

  • The maker of the movement and dial is completely anonymous and unsigned
  • The seller's attribution of the 'AK' sponsor mark to Arthur Kenneth is unconfirmed speculation
  • Internal hallmarks on the inner case back are obscured by reflection in the photograph

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Anonymous Dial Officers Trench Watch - 9k Gold Case Signed 'AK' - c.19 – Vintage Watch Specialist

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 1c378f7abb

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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