Omega: A gentleman's stainless steel military issue 'Dirty Dozen' wristwatch
Model: 'Dirty Dozen'
Date: Circa 1944
Movement: 15-jewel, manual wind
Dial: Black, broad arrow below 12, white Arabic numerals, white outer minute track with luminous 5 minute markers, subsidiary seconds at 6, brushed 'commando' sword hands with luminous inserts
Case: Brushed and polished round, screw down back engraved 'W.W.W ↑ / Y8179 / 10672378'
Strap/Bracelet: Associated black leather
Buckle/Clasp: Stainless steel buckle
Size: 35mm

During the Second World War the British Ministry of Defence commissioned 12 watch companies to produce watches that were fit for military action. These companies were Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lemania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor, and Vertex. The term 'Dirty Dozen', after the 1967 film, has been coined to describe these watches. It is estimated that approximately 150,000 watches were produced with around 25,000 examples delivered by Omega. Each was stamped with the military broad arrow mark and the initials WWW standing for 'Watch, Wrist, Waterproof'.

Condition Report

• Case and back: Fair to good with some typical signs of age and use including fine scratches, tiny dints and micro-abrasions
• Crystal: Fine fractures at the margins, fine scratches
• Dial: Fair to good, some tarnishing to lume but still active, some numerals slightly degraded
• Hands: Fair with tarnishing to lume but still active, tiny loss/hole to lume insert on hour hand
• Strap: Serviceable with signs of use
• Movement: Winds, sets and runs

Not guaranteed for timekeeping or water resistance - it is advised that this watch is inspected and serviced by a qualified jeweller or the original manufacturer before full use.

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot.  All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.