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c.1944, Record, ‘Dirty Dozen', World War 2 Military 'Wrist Watch Waterproof' (WWW) with a Deep Black Dial and Caramel Patina to the Lume.

Known as the 'Dirty Dozen' these famous watches were the first purpose-built military watches ever made. Delivered between 1944 & 1945, the 'Dozen' comprised of 12 manufacturers who produced around 150,000 watches for the war effort. Also known as WWW watches which stands simply for “Watch Wrist Waterproof”, these watches were built for action and to stand the rigours of war and the “Dozen” certainly did that job! The 12 companies comprised of Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, JLC, Lemania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor and Vertex with rumours there were in fact 13 and the 13^th company being Enicar but due to apparently Enicar also supplying the enemy, they were briskly dropped from the contract. No examples have yet appeared from Enicar.

Of the circa 150,000 pieces made, around 25,000 were made by Record which makes them joint top with Omega for the largest quantity made. Featuring sword hands, 36.5mm chrome topped case and 022K calibre beating inside, the Record represents a classic military appearance that has been copied ever since. The sub-seconds dial ensures maximum legibility when on the battlefield and the iconic Broad Arrow marks the property of the Crown. These watches were meant to have been returned at the end of service but like many pieces of equipment used during the war, many soldiers chose to take some pieces home as a memento of a historic event that they were a part of. Occasionally the soldiers would paint over the broad arrow on the dial to make the watch appear as though it hadn’t been the property of the Crown.

Whats on offer

This is a particularly fine example with the black dial boasting a very attractive patina from the centre, this is likely to continue in years to come eventually giving way to a rich chocolate tropicalisation thus making it even more appealing and consequently more sought after. The lume has taken on an almost tobacco hue, and the white Arabic indices remain sharp and complete. The crown sits unprotected at 3 o’clock and although it's not intended, really compliments the proportions of the case. Recently serviced by renowned military watchmaker John Senior, this is a fantastic opportunity to add an exceptional 'Dirty Dozen' example to one’s collection.

Additional information

Made from

Case: Stainless steel 

Case back: Screw-on

Dial: Black, with tobacco coloured lume

Crystal: Shatter-proof Plexi

Bracelet: NATO military-style

Technical specifications

Winding: Manual

Movement Type: Mechanical Hand Wound

Calibre: 022K

Jewels: 15

Waterproof: When new

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent unpolished condition with crisp case edges - 9/10

Model Reference: WWW 

Date of issue: c.1945

Guarantee: 12-month Vintage Watch Specialist guarantee. 

Dimensions

Width: 36.5mm

Lug width: 18mm

Wrist size: Adjustable