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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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 Records issued to troops during the Second World War, you will find these in poor condition with a MOD swapped case. It is uncommon to find them with the original matching numbers case. By matching numbers, we mean the caseback number and lug number match, showing they have been together since delivery to the British Army.
Age: c.1945.
Reference: W.W.W
Movement: Manual wind with Sub Seconds.
Calibre: 022K
Timekeeping: Very good.
Service History: Fully Serviced by John Senior. April 2026.
Dial: Original MoD Dial.
Case: Chrome Plated with Stainless Steel Caseback.
Measurements: without/with Crown: 35.8mm/39.1mm End to End: 46.7mm
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original.
Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal.
Crown: Correct Original unsigned Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: On a new Khaki 18mm Military Style strap with Steel fixtures.
Lug Width: 18mm
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Dial has developed a lovely patina.
- Hard to find with Matching Case Numbers.
-Crisp Military markings to the back.
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Nitty Gritty:
- Some minor marks to case and some wear throughout the Chrome plating.
- Some tiny print loss to the minute track.
- Age related marks to Dial.
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Overall the Record is in nice Vintage condition.
The Dial is in good condition. It has a small bit of print loss to the minute track.
Chrome Case is in good nick, the Record case is amongst the most vulnerable for wear to the plate, however the wear on this case is minimal and is in good order for its nature.
Caseback markings are very nice.
Original Crown.
Crystal in good shape.
Hands are in lovely shape.
Photographed on a 7in Wrist.
