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Timor WWW 'Dirty Dozen' c.1944 World War II Military Watch ****NOW SOLD****

This item has now sold
£0.00GBP
vws1789cs

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c.1944 Timor WWW ‘Dirty Dozen’ World War II Military Wrist Watch

At the end of the Second World War, many members of the British armed forces were issued with a basic but carefully specified watch, commissioned from one of 12 Swiss manufacturers by the British Ministry of supply. These were ultimately to replace the earlier issued "ATP' watches from earlier in the war!

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 of these in good and original condition remain, and as production volumes differed widely across the 12 wartime manufacturers. Apparently, only around 30 complete sets were known to exist, worldwide. Timor and Omega it would seem, from our research, were among the first of the "Dozen" makers to make their watches available to the MoD c.1944, followed by the other brands and this is believed to have continued well into the 1950s.

Housed in a 36.5mm solid stainless steel case with minimal wear to speak of, this Timor watch is in excellent and original condition. The original pencil hands, dial, and case are all original to the watch, attested to by the lume plots, which have inherited a beautifully colorful and even patina over the years. The hands and lume plots show matching original radium, though there is a small amount missing from the inner section of the minute's hand.

One of the few dirty dozens to house a movement adjusted to four positions, the movement has been serviced and keeps excellent time. A watch with bags of history, collectability, and beauty left in it. This piece tells a story and is a gem to look at on the wrist.

What’s on offer:

This is a fantastic example of the Timor ‘Dirty Dozen’ watch with an unpolished case in superb condition. The lume on the dial and hands is evenly coloured and still giving off some bright glow under UV light. 

The piece will be supplied on a brand new NATO textile strap in black, khaki or grey, to complete the military look. 

Additional information:

Made from: 

Case: Stainless steel.
Case back: Screw-on. 
Dial: Black.
Crystal: Shatterproof crystal. 
Bracelet: New textile NATO strap. 

Technical specifications

Winding: Hand-wound
Movement Type: Mechanical hand-wound 
Caliber: 6060
Jewels: 15j. 
Water resistance: When new.

Purchase details

Condition: Great condition for its age. 9/10
Model reference number:  WWW.
Date of issue: 1944/1945.

Guarantee

Supplied with a 12-month Vintage Watch Specialist guarantee.

Dimensions

Width: (without crown) 36.5mm
Height: 45mm (lug to lug) 
Lug width: 18mm
Wrist size: Adjustable.