Founded in 1833 in Switzerland’s Vallée de Joux, Jaeger-LeCoultre built its reputation on precision engineering and in-house innovation. Alongside its civilian watches, the manufacture played a key role during the Second World War, becoming one of the twelve brands selected to produce the British military’s famed “Dirty Dozen” watches. Built to exacting Ministry of Defence specifications, these robust timepieces cemented Jaeger-LeCoultre’s status as a maker of watches trusted in the most demanding conditions

What's on Offer

This Jaeger-LeCoultre Dirty Dozen is a beautifully preserved example of one of the most important military wristwatches of the Second World War. Issued around 1945, it retains its original British military case with clear, honest engravings to the caseback, including the Broad Arrow pheon marking it as property of the Ministry of Defence. These engravings firmly anchor the watch in its wartime service history and add significant collector appeal.

The rich black dial is an official MoD service replacement, fitted at a later date and upgraded with safer tritium luminous material in place of the original radium. This makes it ideal for those collectors who prefer the Tritium lume. 

Bold Arabic numerals, luminous hour plots and matching lumed hands ensure excellent legibility, staying true to the watch’s original purpose as a robust soldier’s tool watch. The Jaeger-LeCoultre signature and military arrow are also present on the dial.

The manually wound movement runs reliably, reflecting the rugged dependability these watches were built for. Presented on a period-appropriate green NATO-style strap, this Dirty Dozen offers a compelling blend of originality, military provenance and wearable vintage character. With a strong overall condition rating, it stands as a highly collectible and historically important British-issued military watch.