A Superb Record Dirty Dozen Military Issued WW2 Wristwatch in Original Condition With Attractive Lume and Military Engravings, c.1944.

Known as the “Dirty Dozen” these famous watches were the first purpose-built English military watches ever made. Delivered between 1944 & 1945, the “Dozen” comprised 12 manufacturers who produced around 150,000 watches for the war effort. Also known as WWW watches (Watch Wrist Waterproof) these watches were built for action and to stand the vigour of war and the “Dozen” certainly did the job. The 12 companies comprised Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, JLC, Lemania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor and Vertex.

Of the circa 150,000 pieces made, around 25,000 were made by Record, making them joint top with Omega for the largest quantity made. Featuring sword hands, a 36.5mm chrome-topped case and 022K calibre beating inside, the Record represents a classic military appearance which has been copied ever since. The sub seconds dial ensures maximum legibility on the battlefield and the iconic broad arrow marks it as property of the crown. These watches were meant to have been returned at the end of service but like many pieces of equipment used during the war, many soldiers chose to take some pieces home as a memento of a historical event they were a part of. Occasionally the soldiers would paint over the broad arrow on the dial to make the watch appear as though it hadn’t been the crown's property.

What's on offer

This is a really super example of the Record, a member of the Dirty Dozen family in original condition with all of the hallmarks synonymous with this iconic collection of military watches including a rich black dial, bold Arabic numerals, an outer minute track and stepped sub-dial at 6 o'clock. It also boasts its original sword hands with beautifully aged lume which has also been preserved on the hour plots.

The chrome-topped case is also in good shape given its age and to the case back, you will find the military markings we have come to expect from the Dirty Dozen watches-  WWW L22341 540188 and of course, the military pheon, denoting the watch as property of the crown. The dial also bears the pheon beneath the Record signature at 12 o'clock.

All in all a very collectable watch in great condition and running well having undergone a recent service by our watchmaker.