Longines, founded in 1832 in Switzerland, quickly gained a reputation for precision and dependable timekeeping. That expertise led to a role supplying watches to armed forces, including during the Second World War. When the British Ministry of Defence specified rugged, reliable wristwatches for troops, Longines was chosen as one of the twelve Swiss manufacturers to produce the famed “Dirty Dozen” military watches. These robust timepieces helped cement Longines’ heritage in both military and civilian horology.

What's on Offer

This Longines Dirty Dozen is an honest and highly evocative example of a British-issued military watch from the closing stages of the Second World War. Issued around 1945, the chrome-plated steel case shows expected, even wear consistent with service use, while retaining strong overall shape and presence. Crucially, the original military engravings to the case-back remain clearly legible, including the Broad Arrow pheon and WWW markings that identify it as property of the Ministry of Defence.

The black dial is original and remains well preserved, offering excellent legibility. It is fitted with classic cathedral hands, still retaining their original luminous material, which has aged evenly across both the hands and hour plots to a rich chocolate tone prized by collectors. Arabic numerals, a clear minute track and the subsidiary seconds dial reinforce the watch’s purposeful military design.

Protected beneath a domed Plexiglas crystal, the manually wound movement runs reliably, reflecting the robust standards Longines was selected for. Paired with a black NATO-style strap, this Dirty Dozen wears comfortably and confidently on the wrist.