***NOW SOLD***A Stunning Example of an Original Radium Dialed IWC Mark 10 Otherwise Known as One of the Dirty Dozen WWW Military Issued Watches, c.1945. 

IWC International Watch Co. AG was and still is doing business as IWC Schaffhausen, and still is a luxury Swiss watch manufacturer located in Schaffhausen, Switzerland and was originally founded by American watchmaker Florentine Ariosto Jones in 1868.

During 1944 and 1945, twelve watchmakers (Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, JLC, Lemania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor and Vertex) produced a total of approximately 150,000 of these almost identical timepieces. Though there are subtle differences, they were produced to tight specifications- designed to be waterproof, have fixed lug bars, numbers and indices, a matte black dial with luminescent hands (originally made of radium) and a small, functional and reliable movement.

Of the approximate 150,000 watches produced, only circa 5000 were from IWC making them incredibly rare and sought after among collectors. Here we have a very fine example of the highly collectable IWC ‘Dirty Dozen’ military watch. We originally sold this watch to one of our regular clients and helped him finish his set a couple of years ago before we recently bought the watch back from him!

The IWC holds a special reputation amongst this collection, due not only to its renowned calibre 83 movements (argued to be the nicest movement of the Dirty Dozen collection) but also to its rarity. Only the Grana and Longines Greenlander editions were produced in smaller quantities of all the twelve brands.

The all stainless steel case wears very generously on the wrist considering its relative 35mm size but then so do most of the others! 

What's on offer

An absolutely fantastic example of the IWC Dirty Dozen, we are over the moon to be able to offer this example for sale in such wonderful condition. The synonymous rich black dial offsets the striking aged pumpkin of the lume across the sword hands and hour plots perfectly. The Arabic numerals have also been well preserved as has the recessed small second dial at 6 o'clock. There is some slight deterioration of the outer minute track but it is only slight, and given the age of the watch and its intended purpose, it's only to be expected! Plus, any 'war wounds' these watches suffer only add to their charm, they are after all working tool watches! 

The IWC logo is underwritten of course by the military pheon, and the caseback bears the standard military engraving, in this instance, it's WWW - M14327. 

This is a more than worthy contender for any military or vintage collection, with bags of charisma and steeped in historical relevance - we don't expect it to be around for long, having recently sold our last one, we know how popular these watches are! 

Additional information

Made from

Case: Steel

Dial: Black  

Crystal: Shatter-proof plexi

Bracelet: NATO military-style  

Technical specifications

Winding: Manually wound

Movement Type: Mechanical

Calibre: 83

Jewels: 16j

Waterproof: n/a

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent

Model Reference Number: WWW 

Date of issue: Circa 1945 

Warranty: 12 months by Vintage Watch Specialist 

Dimensions

Width: 35mm

Lug width: 17mm

Lug height (lug to lug): 46mm

Wrist size: Adjustable