We are very excited to have on offer one of the Rarest Dirty Dozen, British Military watches from ww2 and one of the famous so-called 'Dirty Dozen' The black original dial has aged stunningly, with a smooth and even patina almost browning and a quite unique radium burn dial mark at the 9 o'clock Area. likely and traditionally a result of the hands being in a non moving state for some years. A quite rare and individual reaction between the corrosive hand paint and the more unpredictable dial paint. NOTICE the light remains of the crows foot arrow ,government property mark in the close up images. Not uncommon and some interesting possible reasons for this in my views below in the " What we think " section The lumed, chrome hands also have some age to them, as you would expect from an 80+ year old watch, that may have seen some action! Full Arabic numerals sit inside a railway-style, outer minute tracking. The dial is signed at 12 o'clock with a painted IWC logo .the subsidiary seconds dial at 6 pm
The stainless steel pressure fitted back case is engraved with "W.W.W. /M13010 / and has the expected fixed lugs. Measuring 35mm, it is a comfortable wear on the wrist. Inside is the famous, mechanical manual wind, Iwc caliber 83, fully serviced by us and running strongly. We've paired this watch on a brown one piece vintage military style leather strap, but it looks great on a range of nylon military straps or plain black leather too.
The WWW British issue wristwatches are perhaps the most desired and collectable watches among all those issued to the British Army. This is perhaps because they were the first to be specially designed and custom contracted for the British Army.
'WWW' is said to stand for Watch, Wrist, Waterproof and was the descriptive code used by the British Army to identify it as a piece of equipment issued by the government. Apparently only around 5000 Iwc pieces were issued in the 1940s.
These watches began being manufactured and issued to the British Forces in early 1943.
There were 12 Swiss manufacturers of the WWW contracted to the forces, and as such, the collection is commonly referred to by collectors and dealers alike as “The Dirty Dozen”.
What we think
We always get excited by military watches. They have such an iconic design, obviously utilitarian but somehow they always seem to have some character, too.
We have so much appreciation for Militaria in General and obviously watches from wartime. Not only a part of watchmaking history but also history in general .
A personal attachment to anything regarding military history and this being probably how our company started way back in 1973 by my father, the founder of AWC came from a military background in the intelligence / salvage of enemy equipment. with the aim of reporting back to our own Uk intelligence with information on the advancement of enemy technology.
An experienced watch expert and watchmaker will look at vintage and antique watches using the knowledge and know-how passed down through generations. Looking at watches of this period in an objective manor.
This amazing ww2 international watch co example is clearly an original and exceptional example. On close inspection of this beautifully aged dial i have noted the hand paint lume burn mark at 9 o'clock which might determine the deterioration of the crows foot / military government property arrow paint , then later possibly removed by a watch maker on request.
Another theory which i have established through my own personal conversations with Ex WW2 serving Gentlemen is more interesting. Let's just say that after the ww2 and conflict not all military personnel returned government property when entering back into civilian life. Needless to say i guess in the eyes of the law maybe this was considered as stealing from the crown! so better to have the property marks removed or covered up then be put up in front of a judge . A ridiculous thought when you give up your life for your country in protection for others and the good of humanity.
I personally prefer the latter as heard from a most respectable gent myself and bless him for sharing his story and bless him for serving his country proud. RIP.
True pieces of history, there is something amazing about wearing a military watch, never knowing what it may have seen or been through during its life. A perfect addition to Dirty Dozen enthusiast, or a first time military watch buyer.
Spec Stuff
Serial : 13010
Reference : W.W.W. / M13010
Movement : Manual Wind Iwc cal 83
Age : 1941/1950 Specific Age : 1944 Case Size : 35 mm
Case Thickness : 10mm Lug to Lug : 40mm Lugs :18mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material : Stainless Steel Service History : Our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1944 WW2 International watch company super Rare and Collectable British Military Issue WWW Dirty Dozen Wristwatch
