A Fantastic Original Vertex Dirty Dozen WWW2 Military Issued Watch With Original Lume and Military Engravings - Very Collectable

The 'Dirty Dozen' - the nickname for a group of 12 watches commissioned by the British Ministry of Defence to be durable, accurate and reliable - were produced by 12 different Swiss manufacturers for use by the armed forces in World War II.

Of the circa. 145,000 watches delivered towards the end of 1944, Vertex only produced around 15,000 of them. To many, Vertex are a little-known brand but in the world of vintage watches and especially military watches, they have a great reputation. Vertex were the only one of the twelve makers that were founded in Great Britain in 1916 by Claude Lyons. He was born in London in 1885 and by the age of 17 he had started working in the watch trade.

What’s On Offer 

This Vertex member of the Dirty Dozen family is in fantastic original condition an boasts all the hallmarks we expect to see from these sought-after military watches. The stark black dial is present and although it shows a little patchiness, it is nothing of concern given the age of the piece. Bold white Arabic numerals mark the hour plots which also have their luminous pips for visibility - as do the syringe hands. Remarkable enough that the lume has survived all these years, it has also aged beautifully. The dial is completed by a sub-seconds counter at 6 o'clock and the military arrow below the Vertex signature. Then dial is encapsulated underneath shatterproof Plexiglas and housed in a chrome-topped case which also bears the military engravings on the rear which read: WWW A 7485 3520401. A fantastic piece of military history that would be a wonderful addition to any collection. 

Additional information

Made from

Case:  Chrome Top

Dial:  Original Black Radium

Crystal: Plexiglass

Bracelet: New Nato Style

Technical specifications

Winding: Manual wind

Movement Type: Mechanical

Calibre: 59

Jewels: 15

Waterproof: When new

Power reserve:

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent

Model Reference: WWW

Date of issue: 1944/45

Guarantee: 12 months VWS

Dimensions

Width (without crown): 35mm

Lug width: 18mm

Lug height (lug to lug) 47mm

Wrist size: Adjustable.