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A Handsome Example of a Timor WII Dirty Dozen Military Issued Watch c.1944 with Original Radium Dial. Caseback Ref: /I\ WWW K 13577 43477

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 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 

A superb example of the Timor Dirty Dozen offered for sale here with a blemish-free stark black dial along with all the hallmarks one would expect from an issued Dirty Dozen watch, including lumed Arabic numbers that have aged to a beautiful caramel colour along with the military pheon. The sword hands are in good shape with traces of the original lume still visible and small seconds recessed subdial sits at 6 o'clock. The case is in remarkably good condition with minimal marks from general wear, certainly nothing unexpected from a watch of this vintage. The case back is engraved with, TIMOR, WWW K 13577 43477. Very much a collector's piece, but also very wearable, any military enthusiast would be over the moon with this watch. 

Be quick, as examples like this are extremely difficult to find now, and this has the added bonus of very recently being serviced by the master military watchmaker, John Senior, who is very well known amongst military watch collectors around the world!

Additional information

Made from

Case: Stainless Steel

Dial: Black 

Crystal: Plexiglass

Bracelet: NATO Style 

Technical specifications

Winding: Manual

Movement Type: Mechanical

Caliber: 6060

Jewels: 15j

Waterproof: When new

Power reserve: 42hrs

Purchase Details

Condition: Excellent

Model Reference: WWW

Date of issue: 1944/1945

Guarantee: 12 Months by VWS

Dimensions

Width (without crown): 36.5mm

Lug width: 18mm

Lug height: (lug to lug) 45mm

Wrist size:  Adjustable