Founded in 1856 in Grenchen, Switzerland, Eterna earned a reputation for producing precise, hard-wearing mechanical watches. That reliability led to a close association with the British military during the Second World War, when Eterna was chosen as one of twelve manufacturers to supply the Ministry of Defence with WWW service watches, later known as the “Dirty Dozen.” Built for clarity, durability and accuracy, these watches reinforced Eterna’s standing as a trusted military watchmaker.

What's on Offer

This Eterna Dirty Dozen is a strong and honest example of one of the most iconic British military watches of the Second World War. Issued around 1944, the stainless steel case remains well preserved, showing even wear consistent with age while retaining its original military character. The caseback engravings are clear and legible, including the Broad Arrow pheon and WWW markings that unmistakably identify it as Ministry of Defence property.

The matte black dial remains highly legible, with bold Arabic numerals, a small seconds sub-dial and original luminous hour plots. The coffee-coloured lume has aged evenly across both the hands and hour markers, giving the watch a warm, consistent appearance that collectors value. Protected beneath a domed Plexiglas crystal, the dial presents cleanly and clearly.

Powered by a robust manually wound movement, the watch runs reliably, reflecting the rugged dependability Eterna was chosen for. Fitted to a dark brown leather strap that complements its military aesthetic, this Dirty Dozen offers genuine wartime provenance and everyday wearability. With a strong overall condition rating of 8.8 out of 10, it remains a highly collectible British-issued military timepiece.