A Very Collectable Vertex 'Dirty Dozen' WW2 Military Soldiers Watch in Original Condition with Attractive Lume and Original Military Engravings. Matching Case and Lug Numbers.

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. They were built to tight specifications- designed to be waterproof, have fixed lug bars, numbers and indices, a matte black dial with luminescent hands (made initially of radium) and a small, functional and reliable movement. The watches as a collective were nicknamed the 'Dirty Dozen' after the film and have become world famous attracting collectors from all over the globe.  

The watch on offer here from Vertex represents one of only around 15,000 made by Vertex of the approximate 150,000 total for the war effort making it very much sought after - these watches get more and more difficult to source every year, especially in original condition. 

What's on offer

This Vertex is in remarkable condition, one would love to look this good at over 80 years old! The rich black dial looks well and boasts the synonymous Arabic numerals, outer minute track, recessed seconds counter and military pheon we would expect to see on any member of the Dirty Dozen family. The lume plots are still intact on the hour markers and the original lume on the hands has also survived the years. The case has got minor signs of wear but nothing we wouldn't expect for a WW2 tool watch and in any case, it only adds to the charm - the caseback bears the original military engravings which read: WWW A11030 3523940. This watch also boasts matching case and lug numbers making it even more collectable as it is rare we find them! 

Very much still wearable, this watch is running well and keeping good time, what a joy for any military or vintage collector. As the numbers of these watches dwindle, the prices will surely rise, now is a good time to buy! 

Additional information

Made from

Case: Chrome Top

Case back: Screw on

Dial: Black

Crystal: Shatter-proof plexi

Bracelet: NATO Military-style 

Technical specifications

Winding: Manually wound

Movement Type: Mechanical

Calibre: Calibre 59

Jewels: 15

Waterproof: When new! 

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent unpolished condition with crisp case edges. The watch has some signs of wear in accordance with its age. 

Model Reference: WWW

Date of issue: 1944/45

Warranty: 12 Months by VWS

Dimensions

Width: 35mm

Lug width: 18mm

Lug height (lug to lug): 47mm

Wrist size: Adjustable