Timor Dirty Dozen, WW2 British Military Issued Watch, MoD Dial, circa 1945

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

Timor was founded in Switzerland during the early twentieth century and earned a reputation for producing reliable, affordable watches with robust in-house movements. The brand's most famous achievement came during the Second World War when it became one of only twelve manufacturers selected to supply watches to the British Ministry of Defence under the prestigious WWW specification. Today, Timor's military-issued watches remain highly collectible and are considered an essential part of the legendary Dirty Dozen story. What's On Offer This Timor WWW Dirty Dozen is a fascinating example of a watch that continued its military service life after the Second World War. Manufactured around 1945 as one of the famous Dirty Dozen watches commissioned by the British Ministry of Defence, it retains all the hallmarks collectors look for, including the black military dial, subsidiary seconds display, broad arrow marking and robust stainless steel case. The Timor was one of twelve Swiss manufacturers selected to produce watches to the strict W.W.W. (Watch, Wristlet, Waterproof) specification issued to British servicemen. Particularly interesting is the Ministry of Defence replacement service dial fitted during its military lifetime. These post-war non-radium dials were installed during official servicing programmes and are now recognised by collectors as an important part of a watch's military history. The service dial offers excellent legibility while reflecting the watch's continued use after the war, giving it a unique story that differs from untouched wartime examples. Original radium dials were often replaced for safety and serviceability reasons during these refurbishment programmes. The watch remains in excellent overall condition for its age, with a strong military case, attractive black service dial and clear markings throughout. Measuring 36.5mm across, it wears exactly as a Dirty Dozen should. Powered by Timor's calibre 6060 manual-wind movement. For collectors seeking an authentic military-issued watch with documented service history, this is a highly appealing and wearable example keeping great time and running reliably after having a complete movement overhaul by our watchmaker in May 2026!