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c.1944 Lemania WWW 'Dirty Dozen' - WWII British Army-Issued Military Wrist Watch

The “Dirty Dozen” watches are very well known within the Military watch collecting community and are well documented in the watch world. All 12 brands have gained a great following including the present example we have on offer, the Lemania variant which among the circa 150,000 watches made, Lemania produced around 8000-10,000 pieces. Classified for “General Service” but issued to special units including radio operators and artillery staff members the “Dozen” are highly sought after watches by any serious collector. The use of the Broad Arrow on the dial for Government goods goes back all the way to Sir Philip Sidney, Joint Master of the Ordnance in 1585 whose family used the Broad Arrow in its coat of arms.

What's On Offer: 

The present example remains in remarkable condition and under the shatterproof plexiglass lies a dial with the lume starting to turn into an almost pumpkin like tone with highly legible Arabic indices and sharp sword hands. The proportions of the 36.5mm case leaves the watch sitting on your wrist wonderfully and the presence of the watch is rounded off nicely with the chunky crown. For a watch that has probably experienced life on the frontline, the condition is remarkable. The indices remain sharp whilst the outer track and “Swiss Made” at 6 o’clock again retain their sharp appearance. The chrome topped steel case shows signs of wear but not in line with the age of the watch and nature of its duties! The watch is in exceptional condition and still exudes class and teamed with a NATO or leather strap, the watch has plenty of adventures ahead of itself and is rather well prepared.

With only a select few collectors around the world having amassed the full set of 12 “Dirty Dozen” watches the present Lemania creates a fantastic opportunity to acquire an excellent example to add to any existing collection and enjoy for many years to come. Bearing in mind the conditions these watches faced, it should come as no surprise that sourcing a watch in such condition as the present example is getting harder by the day. Furthermore the rarity of the Lemania variant having represented less than 10% of the full production of the “Dozen”, the watch available here presents an attractive opportunity.

Additional information

Made from

Case: Chrome-topped

Case back: Screw on. 

Dial: Black

Crystal: Shatter-proof plexi. 

Bracelet: Military NATO strap.

Technical specifications

Winding: Manually wound. 

Movement type: Mechanical.

Calibre: 27A

Jewels: 17

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent vintage condition.

Model Reference: WWW Ministry of Defence.

Date of issue: c.1944

Guarantee

Supplied with a 12-month Vintage Watch Specialist guarantee. 

Dimensions

Width: 36.5mm.

Lug width: 18mm.

Wrist size: Adjustable.