A Superb Jaeger LeCoultre Dirty Dozen Watch in Excellent Original Condition With Well Preserved Lume and Original Military Caseback Engravings

These famous watches were the first purpose-built military watches known as the Dirty Dozen. Delivered between 1944 & 1945, the 'Dozen' comprised 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!

Around 6000 of the circa 150,000 "WWW" watches exported to Britain during the war were from Jaeger LeCoultre and it's believed they arrived in the UK in the second half of 1945. Classified for “General Service” but issued to special units including radio operators and artillery staff members it is likely these watches will have seen some action during the war and definitely beyond!

The use of the Broad Arrow on the dial for Government property goes back all the way to Sir Philip Sidney, Joint Master of the Ordnance in 1585 whose family used the Broad Arrow in its coat of arms. 

Founded in 1833, Jaeger LeCoultre (also known as JLC) is a very well-respected Swiss brand that Antoine LeCoultre started and as of the year 2000 has been part of the Richemont luxury goods group.

What’s On Offer 

This is one of the nicest examples of the JLC Dirty Dozen watch we have ever owned, it boasts a superb dial, rich black in colour and blemish-free. The bold Arabic numerals are very well preserved and the original lume is still present on both the cathedral hands and the hour plots and has aged to a stunning buttery colour. The outer minute track is still crisp as is the small seconds counter at 6 o'clock. The chrome-topped case is original and in superb shape with minimal wear for a watch of this age. The caseback bears its original military engravings which read: 285312 WWW F 14677 and also the military pheon (arrow) which is also present on the dial. This watch is in superb order, running well and keeping good time. A beautiful, rare and much sought-after watch which would make a very worthy addition to any collection. 

Additional information

Made from

Case: Chrome-topped

Dial: Black

Crystal: Plexiglas

Bracelet: NATO style

Technical specifications

Winding: Manual

Movement Type: Mechanical

Calibre: 479

Jewels: 16

Waterproof:

Power reserve:

Purchase details

Condition: Superb 

Model Reference: WWW

Date of issue: c.1944

Warranty: 12 Months VWS

Dimensions

Width (without crown): 35mm

Lug width: 17mm

Lug height: (lug to lug) 45mm

Wrist size: Adjustable