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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There were only 25,000 Omega Watches issued to troops during the Second World War, who knows how many survive.
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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: 30t2
Timekeeping: Very good.
Service History: Full Service by John Senior, August 2025.
Dial: Original MoD Spec Omega Dial. Professionally relumed by John.
Dial: Original MoD Spec Omega Dial. Professionally relumed by John.
Case: All Stainless Steel.
Measurements: without/with Crown: 35mm/38mm End to End: 45mm
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original. Professionally relumed by John.
Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal.
Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal.
Crown: Correct Original unsigned Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: New Khaki NATO Style Strap with Steel Fixtures.
Lug Width: 18mm
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
-One of only 25,000 issued.
- In our opinion, the best looking of the Dozen.
- In our opinion, the best looking of the Dozen.
- Fully serviced Movement.
-Crisp Military markings to the back.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Some age related minor marks and scratches to the Case.
- Some minor paint loss to the minute track, sub dial and some numerals.
- Engraving to the caseback of the previous owner, possibly military.
- Hands and Dial plots have been professionally relumed by John Senior.
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Overall the Omega is in nice Vintage condition.
The Dial is in good order, it has some minor paint loss.
The Case is in very good nick, with a few age related marks. There is an engraving to the caseback.
Caseback markings are very nice.
Original Crown.
Crystal in good shape.
Hands are in lovely shape.
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Photographed on a 7in Wrist.