Vertex Dirty Dozen, WW2 Military Issued Watch, circa 1944

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

A Rare WW2 Military Issued Vertex Dirty Dozen Watch in Fantastic Original Condition, Very Collectable, c.1944 Vertex, a prestigious British watch company, has a storied history intertwined with military timekeeping. Established in 1916 by Claude Lyons, Vertex became renowned for producing reliable and precise timepieces. During World War II, the brand rose to prominence as one of the twelve manufacturers selected to produce the "Dirty Dozen" watches for the British Ministry of Defence. These watches were designed to meet rigorous standards, ensuring durability and accuracy in challenging conditions faced by military personnel. The military watches crafted by Vertex during this period were characterised by their robustness, featuring waterproof cases, black dials, luminous hands, and numerals for legibility in low-light conditions. This commitment to excellence laid the foundation for Vertex's long-standing reputation in military horology. In recent years, Vertex has revitalised its historic models, combining classic designs with modern technology, appealing to both watch enthusiasts and military history aficionados. This fusion of heritage and innovation continues to bolster Vertex’s esteemed legacy in military watchmaking. What's on Offer We are delighted to offer for sale this wonderful example of the Vertex member of the Dirty Dozen family of watches. Originally commissioned for British forces during World War II its design reflects the strict military specifications for durability, legibility, and reliability in combat conditions. The Vertex Dirty Dozen WWII military watch is a historically significant timepiece. The watch features a 35mm chrome topped case which does show some signs of wear, a part of its vintage appeal and not to be unexpected from a watch of this age and nature. The rich matte black dial is in very nice shape and still highly legible, with bold Arabic numerals and a railroad minute track, both coated in aged luminous paint for visibility in low-light conditions. A distinctive broad arrow marking on the dial signifies British military issuance. The watch is equipped with sword-style hands, also luminous, and a sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock, maintaining a clean and functional layout. The manually wound Caliber 59 movement, made in Switzerland, ensures reliable timekeeping. A shatterproof acrylic crystal protects the dial, while fixed bar lugs secure the durable NATO-style strap. This watch embodies wartime resilience, blending utilitarian design with horological heritage and remains very much sought-after across the globe by collectors, especially in this exceptional original condition, a real British military heritage piece.