The "Dirty Dozen" refers to a group of twelve Swiss watch manufacturers that produced military wristwatches for the British Army during World War II. These watches were commissioned by the British Ministry of Defence and were used by soldiers in various branches of the military.

These watches were typically simple, time-only pieces with black dials, Arabic numerals, and luminous hands and hour markers for better readability in low-light conditions. They were produced between 1942 and 1945 and are highly sought after by collectors today due to their historical significance and rarity.

Each of the Dirty Dozen manufacturers produced a specific quantity of watches, and the timepieces went through rigorous testing for accuracy and durability before being issued to military personnel. The Dirty Dozen watches played a crucial role during wartime and have become iconic in the world of military watch collecting.

Cyma delivered 20,000 of these watches to the MoD in 1944 and 1945. The twelve watches later became known as the Dirty Dozen.

What’s on Offer

We are very pleased to offer this beautiful example of the Cyma Dirty Dozen watch for sale. The Cyma is the largest of the DD watches and as such wears very well on the wrist. The dial bears all the hallmarks we expect to see on these military watches including a rich black dial with bold Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, a recessed sub seconds dial at 6 o'clock and the pheon which is the military arrow that denotes the watch as property of the MoD. 

The watch is in completely original condition and retains its original lume across the Arabics and hands which has aged to a beautiful light pumpkin colour. The dial is encapsulated underneath a shatterproof acrylic crystal (which is very well preserved) and encased in stainless steel. The case back bears the military engravings we would expect to see which read: WWW P24132 - 29132, the military pheon is also present here too. 

This is a superb example of the CYMA DD soldier's watch