Founded in 1832, Longines has a long history of precision watchmaking and a proud tradition of supplying timepieces to the military. During the Second World War, Longines was one of twelve manufacturers commissioned by the British Ministry of Defence to produce robust and highly legible wristwatches for service personnel. These “Dirty Dozen” watches have become iconic among collectors, celebrated for their rugged design and historical significance.

What’s on Offer

We are delighted to bring you this wonderful 1945 Longines “Dirty Dozen” military watch, a true collector’s piece from the golden era of military horology. The rich black dial is particularly striking, with bold Arabic numerals in brilliant white and the original lume still intact across the hour plots and cathedral hands, having mellowed beautifully to a warm, buttery tone.

The dial is completed by the synonymous military broad arrow, denoting the watch as MoD property, and a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock keeps the layout clean and functional. The case remains in great shape for its age and retains its original military engravings on the back, offering collectors a tangible connection to its wartime past. An exceptional example of Longines’ contribution to the Dirty Dozen set, and a rare opportunity - these watches are swiftly declining in numbers - a must-have for enthusiasts of vintage military timepieces and British military history.