The Watch
.
W.W.W referred to as Wrist Watch Waterproof.
.
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.
.
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.
.
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.
.
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.
.
The 12 companies chosen were: Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lemania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor, and Vertex.
.
There were only 6,000 JLC's issued to troops during the Second World War, who knows how many survive.
.
This Particular JLC has had the Case rechromed at some stage in its life. My Watchmaker and I, both agree that this is a very old rechrome.
.
You can read the history of the Dirty Dozen in one of our Blogs: here
.
The Specs
Age: c.1945.
Reference: W.W.W
Movement: Manual wind with Sub Seconds.
Calibre: 479.
Timekeeping: Very good.
Service History: Fully Serviced by John Senior, May 2025.
Dial: Original Jaeger LeCoultre Military Dial.
Dial: Original Jaeger LeCoultre Military Dial.
Case: Chrome Plated (Rechromed) with Steel Screw Caseback.
Measurements: without/with Crown: 35mm/37.8mm End to End: 46.3mm
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original.
Crystal: Correct Crystal.
Crystal: Correct Crystal.
Crown: Correct Original unsigned Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: New 16mm Khaki NATO Style strap with Steel fixtures.
Lug Width: 17mm
Getting Acquainted
.
Bits that stand out:
- Excellent Dial.
- 1 of only 6000 Issued.
- Fully serviced Movement.
-Crisp Military markings to the back.
.
Nitty Gritty:
-Small marks and scratches to the case. Some minor Wear.
- Small Dot missing to the number 2.
- The case has been rechromed, it is an early rechrome, it looks great.
.
Overall the JLC is in wonderful condition.
The Dial is in lovely condition.
Case is in very nice nick, with light wear throughout the old rechrome.
Caseback markings are very nice.
Original Crown.
Correct Crystal.
Hands are in lovely shape.
.
Photographed on a 7in Wrist.