Vertex has one of the most storied connections with the British military, dating back to both World Wars. Founded in 1916, Vertex became one of the original “Dirty Dozen” watch manufacturers commissioned by the British Ministry of Defence during WWII to produce durable, precise, and highly legible wristwatches for soldiers. Their watches, powered by reliable Swiss movements, were renowned for their robustness and accuracy in harsh combat conditions — establishing Vertex as a respected name in military horology.

Whats on Offer

This superb Vertex “Dirty Dozen” military watch is a fine example of wartime horology, produced circa 1944 and issued to the British Army during WW2. It features a deep black dial with bold Arabic numerals, a recessed sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock, and original syringe hands filled with beautifully aged lume which is even across the hour plots also. 

The military arrow is proudly displayed on both the dial and case back, confirming Ministry of Defence provenance. Its chrome-topped case retains excellent shape with the signs of age we would expect to see, housing the reliable Calibre 59 manual-wind movement — a true workhorse of its era.

With its authenticity, legibility, and rugged charm, this 36mm Vertex remains a superb addition to any serious military collection and a wonderful piece of wearable history.