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 Records issued to troops during the Second World War, who knows how many survive.
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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 2024.
Dial: Original MoD Dial.
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.
Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal.
Crown: Correct Original unsigned Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: On a new Blue 18mm NATO strap with Brushed Steel fixtures.
Lug Width: 18mm
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Dial has developed a lovely patina.
- Hard to find in such good order, especially the Case.
-Crisp Military markings to the back.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Some minor marks to case and some very minor wear throughout the Chrome plating.
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Overall the Record is in very nice Vintage condition.
The Dial is in lovely condition. It has developed a beautiful patina.
Chrome Case is in excellent 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 excellent 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.