IWC W.W.W., Dirty Dozen Military Issued Watch, Original Radium Dial, circa 1945

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

***NOW SOLD*** A Superb Example of an IWC Dirty Dozen Military Issued Watch Boasting A Stunning Dial in Original Condition With Beautifully Aged Lume. Issued in c.1945 with W.W.W. Caseback Markings AKA the Mark X During 1944 and 1945, twelve watchmakers (Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, JLC, Lemania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor and Vertex) produced a total of approximately 150,000 of these almost identical timepieces. Though there are subtle differences, they were produced to tight specifications- designed to be waterproof, have fixed lug bars, numbers and indices, a matte black dial with luminescent hands (originally made of radium) and a small, functional and reliable movement. Of approximately 150,000 watches produced, only circa 5000 were from IWC making them incredibly rare and sought after among collectors. Here we have an extremely fine example of the highly collectable IWC ‘Dirty Dozen’ military watch. The IWC holds a special reputation amongst this collection, due not only to its renowned calibre 83 movement (argued to be the nicest movement of the Dirty Dozen collection) but also to its rarity. Only the Grana's and Eterna's were produced in smaller quantities of all the twelve brands. The all-stainless steel case wears very generously on the wrist considering its relative 35mm size but then so do most of the others! What's on offer An absolutely superb example of the IWC Dirty Dozen military-issued watch, with one of the most attractive dials we have seen recently. Just look at that stark black dial with the absolutely stunning caramel lume plots and corresponding lume on the hands. The natural ageing process has served this watch well and it is beautifully preserved. The bold white Arabic numerals are still perfectly intact as is the outer minute track and counter sunk subdial at 6 o'clock. The case is also in fantastic shape and boasts original military engravings which read: WWW M171114, it also has the synonymous military pheon as does the dial, which denotes the watch as property of the crown. A stunning watch with all the (original) hallmarks of the Dirty Dozen family. Additional information Made from Case: Steel Case back: Clip back Dial: B lack Radium Crystal: Shatter-proof plexi Bracelet : NATO military-style Technical specifications Winding: Manual Movement Type : Mechanical Calibre : 83 Jewels: 16j Waterproof : when new! Purchase details Condition: Excellent Model Reference Number: WWW Date of issue : Circa 1945 Dimensions Width: 35mm Lug width : 17mm Lug height (lug to lug) : 46mm Wrist size : Adjustable More Military Watches