Founded in 1912 by Claude Lyons, Vertex became one of Britain's most respected watch brands, renowned for producing reliable Swiss-made timepieces. During the Second World War, Vertex was selected as one of only twelve manufacturers entrusted by the British Ministry of Defence to produce the legendary WWW ("Watch, Wristlet, Waterproof") military watches. The Vertex Dirty Dozen has since become one of the most desirable of the twelve, appreciated for its distinctive design, robust construction and enduring connection to British military history.

What's on Offer

This Vertex WWW Dirty Dozen is an original British military wristwatch dating to approximately 1944 and represents one of the most sought-after models from the iconic Dirty Dozen collection. Produced for the Ministry of Defence, it features the classic black military dial with subsidiary seconds, housed within the correct chrome-topped stainless steel case.

Powered by the dependable Vertex Calibre 56 manual-wind movement with 15 jewels, the watch delivers approximately 36 hours of power reserve. Designed to withstand the demands of wartime service, the movement is renowned for its reliability and straightforward engineering, making it as practical today as it was over eighty years ago.

The military caseback retains its correct WWW designation, broad arrow property mark and issue numbers, which are also matched with the lug numbers, which is pretty rare, preserving the watch's authentic military provenance and condition. Measuring 36mm across with a comfortable 47mm lug-to-lug length, the Vertex offers timeless field watch proportions that remain highly wearable by modern standards.

Presented on a black NATO-style strap, this is an excellent opportunity to acquire one of the most collectible British military watches ever produced. Combining historical significance with everyday wearability, the Vertex Dirty Dozen remains a cornerstone of any serious military watch collection.

Overall the watch is in very good vintage condition. The chrome-topped case displays honest signs of wear consistent with military service and age, with light surface marks adding to its authentic character. The black military dial remains clean and highly legible, while the plexiglass crystal shows only light signs of use. The military caseback engravings remain visible and identifiable, and the watch is fitted to a replacement black NATO-style strap. It is supplied with a 12-month mechanical warranty for added peace of mind.