During 1944 and 1945, twelve watchmakers (Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, JLC, Lemania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor, and Vertex) produced a total of approximately 150,000 of these almost identical timepieces. As these watches became highly sought after by collectors over the ensuing decades, they became known as "The Dirty Dozen" - earning this nickname from the 1964 war film of the same moniker. Members of this exclusive club are now in constant demand as few remain in good and original condition, and as production volumes differed widely across the 12 wartime manufacturers. Omega made approximately 25000 of these watches.

What's on Offer

These Omega watches were part of the 12 watches issued by the Ministry of Defence nearing the end of WWII. When serviced by the Ministry of Defence, quite often, the original dials, which were radium were replaced with tritium service dials and hands. These are now referred to as MoD dials. This means this watch is ideal for anybody with concerns about the presence of radium but who would like an original Dirty Dozen watch. 

The watch is in superb shape boasting all the hallmarks one would expect to see on a Dirty Dozen including bold Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, luminous hands and hour plots and the synonymous military pheon that denotes the watch as property of the MoD. The dial is encapsulated underneath shatterproof Plexiglas and encased in stainless steel. The case and lugs are also in very good shape with the case-back displaying original military engravings along with the pheon once again. The tritium lume has aged evenly and completes a beautiful dial, an original piece of British Military history, a robust utility watch which is still running today after over 80 years!