The Watch
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W.W.W referred to as Wrist Watch Waterproof.
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In WW2, under increasing pressure from the Germans, the MoD needed to kit out their Troops with a Wristwatch that would stand the harsh realities of War.
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In WW2, under increasing pressure from the Germans, the MoD needed to kit out their Troops with a Wristwatch that would stand the harsh realities of War.
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The MoD put out specifications for this Wristwatch, that many Swiss Companies answered, the MoD whittled this down to 12 Companies hence the term "Dirty Dozen". These needed to be accurate, reliable and durable, which in watchmaking terms meant they had to be regulated to chronometer standards, and also be waterproof and shockproof.
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The watches also had to have a black dial, Arabic numerals, luminous hour and minute hands, luminous hour markers, a railroad minute track, a shatterproof crystal, and a stainless-steel case. Powering them would be 15-jewel movements, measuring between 11.75 and 13 lignes.
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The 12 companies chosen were: Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lemania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor, and Vertex.
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You can read the history of the Dirty Dozen in one of our Blogs: here
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The Specs
Age: c.1945.
Reference: W.W.W
Movement: Manual wind with Sub Seconds.
Calibre: 234.
Timekeeping: Very Good.
Service History: Previously Serviced by John Senior circa 2018. Fully Checked by John 2025.
Dial: Original Cyma Military Dial.
Dial: Original Cyma Military Dial.
Case: All Stainless Steel with Screw Caseback.
Measurements: without/with Crown: 38mm/41.2mm End to End: 45mm
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original.
Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal.
Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal.
Crown: Correct Original unsigned Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: New 18mm Light Brown Military Style strap with Steel fixtures.
Lug Width: 18mm.
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Dial has aged beautifully.
- All Original and Correct.
-Sharp Case.
- 38mm Case.
- 38mm Case.
-Military markings to the back.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Small Discolouration to the Crystal Retaining Ring.
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Overall the Cyma is in very nice Vintage condition.
The Dial has aged very nicely indeed.
Case is in very good shape.
Caseback markings are nice.
Original Crown.
Original Crystal.
Hands are in lovely shape.
Photographed on a 7in Wrist.