{"product_id":"buren-www-dirty-dozen-ww2-british-military-issued-watch-c-1945","title":"Buren WWW Dirty Dozen - WW2 British Military Issued Watch - c.1945","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"61\" data-end=\"391\"\u003eDuring the Second World War, the British Ministry of Defence commissioned twelve Swiss manufacturers to produce robust wristwatches to a common military specification. These watches became known to collectors as the \u003cstrong data-start=\"277\" data-end=\"294\"\u003e\"Dirty Dozen\"\u003c\/strong\u003e and are regarded as some of the most historically significant military timepieces ever produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"393\" data-end=\"777\"\u003eThe specification demanded a highly legible black dial with luminous hands and Arabic numerals, a manually wound movement, shatter-resistant crystal, subsidiary seconds, and a durable case suitable for front-line service. Each watch also carried the military \u003cstrong data-start=\"652\" data-end=\"689\"\u003eW.W.W. (Watch, Wrist, Waterproof)\u003c\/strong\u003e designation together with the British broad arrow mark, signifying government property.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"779\" data-end=\"1248\"\u003eBüren was one of only twelve companies selected to fulfil this prestigious contract. Their watches were built around reliable in-house manual movements and were intended purely as military instruments rather than luxury timepieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1250\" data-end=\"1579\"\u003eToday, the Dirty Dozen represents one of the most collectable fields of military horology. Completing a full set of all twelve manufacturers remains one of the hobby's greatest collecting challenges, while individual examples continue to be prized for their authenticity, historical importance and unmistakable wartime character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-start=\"1605\" data-end=\"1804\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eWhat's on Offer\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1605\" data-end=\"1804\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOffered here is an original Büren WWW Dirty Dozen dating to approximately 1945, complete with the correct military caseback markings including the British broad arrow and H9209 reference.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1806\" data-end=\"2218\"\u003eIts honest appearance immediately sets it apart. The chrome-topped case displays decades of genuine military wear, while the beautifully aged black dial has developed the character collectors actively seek. The warm cream Arabic numerals, original sword hands and subsidiary seconds register remain wonderfully legible, creating exactly the utilitarian aesthetic that defines the Dirty Dozen series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2220\" data-end=\"2518\"\u003eInside beats the reliable Büren Calibre 462, a 15-jewel manually wound movement designed for dependable service under demanding conditions. Built as a precision military instrument rather than a civilian luxury watch, it perfectly reflects the purpose-driven engineering of wartime Switzerland.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2520\" data-end=\"2873\"\u003eFitted to a green NATO-style strap, the watch retains the rugged military appearance it was designed to project while remaining comfortable for modern daily wear. At 36.5mm, it also wears remarkably well by contemporary standards, making it an ideal size for collectors who appreciate vintage military watches that still feel practical on the wrist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2875\" data-end=\"3087\"\u003eThis is not a restored example. It is an honest survivor whose scratches, worn chrome and patinated dial tell the story of nearly eighty years of history—exactly the qualities many military collectors value most.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3148\" data-end=\"3448\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eThe chrome-topped case displays honest wear, surface scratching and areas where the underlying brass has become visible through years of use, all consistent with an authentic military service watch. The caseback retains the original military engravings, including the broad arrow and W.W.W. markings.\u003cspan aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3450\" data-end=\"3731\"\u003eThe black dial remains original with attractive vintage patina. The hands retain aged lume appropriate to the period. The plexiglass crystal shows scratches and marks consistent with age but remains perfectly usable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3733\" data-end=\"3802\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Vintage Watch Specialist","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57307426947447,"sku":"vws4234","price":1850.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0139\/8092\/6009\/files\/VWS-4234_0.jpg?v=1784884102","url":"https:\/\/vintagewatchspecialist.com\/products\/buren-www-dirty-dozen-ww2-british-military-issued-watch-c-1945","provider":"Vintage Watch Specialist","version":"1.0","type":"link"}