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 25,000 Omega Watches issued to troops during the Second World War, who knows how many survive. An additional note, these are becoming incredibly difficult to find with Dials that have not flaked, especially the numbers, this is a lovely example.
.
The Specs
Age: c.1945.
Reference: W.W.W
Movement: Manual wind with Sub Seconds.
Calibre: 30t2
Reference: W.W.W
Movement: Manual wind with Sub Seconds.
Calibre: 30t2
Timekeeping: Very good.
Service History: Fully Serviced by John Senior, May 2025.
Dial: Original Ministry of War Spec Omega Dial.
Dial: Original Ministry of War Spec Omega Dial.
Case: All Stainless Steel.
Measurements: without/with Crown: 35mm/38mm End to End: 45mm
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original.
Crystal: Acrylic crystal.
Crystal: Acrylic crystal.
Crown: Correct Original unsigned Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: New Khaki NATO Style Strap with Steel Fixtures.
Lug Width: 18mm
Getting Acquainted
.
Bits that stand out:
-One of the most sought after Dirty Dozen models.
- Over 80 years old.
- Fully serviced Movement.
- Over 80 years old.
- Fully serviced Movement.
-Crisp Military markings to the back.
.
Nitty Gritty:
-Some age related marks and scratches to the Case.
-Tiny piece of print missing from the "E" of Omega, very minor.
-Ring mark to sub dial.
.
Overall the Omega is in nice Vintage condition.
The Dial is in good order.
The Case is in good nick, with a few age related marks and dings.
Caseback markings are very nice.
Original Crown.
Crystal in good shape.
Hands are in lovely shape.
.
Photographed on a 7in Wrist.