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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From the Collection of John Senior.
You can read the history of the Dirty Dozen in one of our Blogs: here
Age: c.1945.
Reference: W.W.W
Movement: Manual wind with Sub Seconds.
Calibre: 234.
Timekeeping: Very good.
Service History: Full Service by John Senior, August 2023.
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 Blue NATO Style strap with Brushed Steel fixtures.
Lug Width: 18mm
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Dial has aged beautifully throughout. You can't beat a good Tropical!
- All Original and Correct.
- Fully serviced Movement.
-Military markings to the back.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Very Minor scratches to the case.
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Overall the Cyma is in very nice Vintage condition.
The Dial is in lovely condition. The Tropical Dial is sensational.
Case is in very nice nick.
Caseback markings are nice with a little wear to the middle "W".
Original Crown.
New correct Crystal fitted during service.
Hands are in lovely shape.
Photographed on a 7in Wrist.