The Dirty Dozen, formally known as W.W.W, Military watch collection
During WW2 the MoD decided that watches used by the Army needed to be increased in efficiency to fulfil the needs of the British soldiers. The MoD drew up a strict specification named ‘Watch.Wrist.Waterproof’ that the watches needed to meet. 12 Swiss manufacturers volunteered to produce the precise product: Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, Jaeger – Le – Coultre, Lemania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor, and Vortex. By 1945 over 145,000 watches had been delivered to British soldiers.
W.W.W. Watch Specifications:
- Waterproof
- Shockproof
- Regulated to chronometer standards
- Black dials
- Luminous hour markers
- Two serial numbers on the back casing: manufacturer number and Military store number
- Arabic numerals and sub seconds
- W.W.W and Broad Arrow markings on back casing
This table was taken from https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/dirty-dozen-twelve-military-watches
Upcoming sales
In our upcoming March 9th Fine Art auction, we have two watches from the W.W.W collection: Longines and Jaeger – Le – Coultre.
.jpg) | Lot 873 – Longines Greenlander military watch, stainless steel case marked with W.W.W, F5681 23088, 1957, with new military strap. Estimate £1500 – £3000. |
 | Lot 874 – Jaeger – Le – Coultre military watch, stainless steel case marked to back with W.W.W, F9669 280336, with new material military strap. Estimate £500 – £1000. |
Past sale results
Cartier Ballon Blu stainless steel Gentlemans’s automatic wrist watch, in origional box with certificate. Estimate £2600 – £5200. Hammer price: £2300.
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Rolex Oyster perpetual Gentleman’s Datejust wristwatch with blue diamond dial and 18ct gold and steel bracelet. Estimate £1500 – £3000. Hammer Price: £3,400.
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18ct gold Hallmarked gents pocket watch. Estimate £600 – £1200. Hammer price £1,025.
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If yourself or anyone that you know has any similar watches that you would like to enter into one of our auctions, please bring them to us for a valuation.
Selling at Auction
If you have collectible pieces you’re looking to sell, call 01782 638100 or
emailenquiries@potteriesauctions.com to book a valuation appointment to attend
one of our Tuesday valuation days. We also provide valuations via WhatsApp,
simply send some clear photographs of your items via the app to 07864 667940.
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