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

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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 manufacturer’s 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 watch makers (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 pencil hands, the dial and case are all original to the watch as far as we are aware. The radium lume on the dial and hands all seems to have aged and discoloured consistently and then the added bonus of the dial having started to go a lighter shade of black (tropical) have inherited a beautifully colourful 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 minutes 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 lovely, honest example of the Timor ‘Dirty Dozen’ watch with an unpolished case in fantastic condition. The lume on the dial and hands is nicely and more to the point very evenly discoloured and is still giving off some bright glow under UV light. The original black dial is also starting to take on a slightly lighter shade and we feel with regular wear it will start to take on a slightly brown or chocolate patina and will look even more stunning than it does now!

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

This watch was recently serviced for us by renowned military watchmaker John Senior. so rest assured it runs well and has been confirmed to be a genuine and original watch by him also!

Additional information:

Made from: 

Case: Stainless steel.

Case back: Screw on. 

Dial: Black.

Crystal: Shatterproof plexi. 

Bracelet: New textile NATO strap. 

Technical specifications

Movement: Hand-wound

Movement type: mechanical hand wound 

Calibre: 6060

Jewels: 15j. 

Water resistance: When new.

Purchase details

Condition: Great condition for its age. 8/10

Model reference number:  WWW.

Date of issue: 1944/1945.

Guarantee

Supplied with a 12-month Vintage Watch Specialist guarantee.

Dimensions