Cyma: A stainless steel manual wind British Military issue watch
Model: Dirty Dozen
Date: Circa 1945
Movement: 15-jewel Cal.234 manual wind, No.378865
Dial: Black, Broad Arrow, gilt Arabic numerals, gilt outer minute track with luminous dot 5 minute markers, subsidiary seconds at 6, polished pointed baton hands with luminous inserts
Case: Brushed and polished round, fixed bars, screw down back engraved '↑ W.W.W. P25328 30328', military engravings to inside back
Strap/Bracelet: Associated black leather
Buckle/Clasp: Steel buckle
Size: 38mm

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 20,000 examples delivered by Cyma. Each was stamped with the military broad arrow mark and the initials WWW standing for 'Watch, Wrist, Waterproof'.

Condition Report

• Case and back: Micro-abrasions, scratches and some minuscule dints, consistent with age and use.
• Crystal: Scratches overall.
• Dial: Some minor tarnishing spots, hour markers and minutes track fair to good, lume baton degraded at 3, remaining loom discoloured but still has some life under UV.
• Hands: Some minor tarnishing. Lume discoloured but still with some life under UV.
• Strap: Heavily worn.
• 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.