A Handsome Example of a Timor WW2 Dirty Dozen Military Issued Watch c.1944 with Original Radium Dial. Caseback Ref: /I\ WWW K 8384 38284

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 manufacturers 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 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. 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.

What’s On Offer 

This Dirty Dozen from Timor is a really honest example with the synonymous black radium dial and recessed subdial. The Arabic numerals are still sharp as is the minute rail track and Timor signature along with the Pheon which of course, denotes it being military property. The lume on the hour plots and hands has aged and shows signs of slight deterioration but this only adds to the character of an already very handsome timepiece with so much historical significance. This would bring much joy to any military collector or enthusiast, these watches also make fantastic everyday wearers.