IWC WWW 'Dirty Dozen' Military Watch Guide

amanico · 2019-01-27T14:31:02Z

Explore the IWC WWW, a 'Dirty Dozen' military watch, with collector insights on originality, dials, and restoration. Discover its history and collecting tips.

Nicolas (amanico) introduces the IWC WWW, a significant piece from the 'Dirty Dozen' collection of military watches issued to the British Army post-WWII. This article delves into the unique characteristics and historical context of these timepieces, highlighting why they remain highly sought after by collectors today. Nicolas's post serves as an excellent starting point for understanding the allure of these robust and historically rich watches.

So called the dirty Dozen, because 12 brands issued watches for the British Army just after the second World War.

IWC is part of them, as well as Omega, Record, Cyma, Grana ( the toughest to find ), Jaeger-Lecoultre, Longines to quote some of them.

35 mm case, Cal 83.

Credit pictures: SSong.

I will not probably go for all of them, I have only one for the moment, ( Jaeger Lecoultre ) but I well see myself adding two or three of them.

Beautiful and full of character!

Best,

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

Original IWC WWW examples should have 'F' and 'S' engraved on the balance cock; an 'A/R' engraving suggests a replacement, though military watchmakers prioritized functionality over originality.
Finding original dials in good condition is challenging, as many have lost their radium lume and been relumed with the 'MOD minty green' or replaced with MOD service dials.
A fully refurbished IWC WWW from Schaffhausen, while pristine, is not considered an alternative to a correct original example by some collectors, who prefer the 'ratty' look reflecting a hard life.
An IWC Calibre 83, sold in Stockholm in December 1945, offers a personal connection to the end of WWII, suggesting it might have been a Christmas present celebrating peace.
The contributor shares images of their own IWC WWW, noting its original crystal and a dial that had its radium lume replaced with MOD minty green, contrasting it with the 'truly wonderful' example posted by amanico.
A rare IWC WWW example, possibly only the third known, was auctioned, suggesting its museum-worthy status and extreme rarity.

The Discussion

Cpt Scarlet

Jan 27, 2019

I think you should collect the full set ! [nt]

amanico

Jan 27, 2019

12! A bit ambitious! But the idea crossed my mind more than once. The issue is getting the Grana. The Longines is not easy to catch, either. [nt]

No message body

Cpt Scarlet

Jan 27, 2019

It’s not a hard task for a man of your abilities [nt]

amanico

Jan 27, 2019

I can find 5 or 6 of them without too many issues, but the rest is more problematic... and it becomes to be a big budget... [nt]

Cpt Scarlet

Jan 28, 2019

I almost started down this road but realised that I would divert me away from other pleasures [nt]

amanico

Jan 28, 2019

Same thing for me. There is better to do, such as an bigger exploration of some Mark 11, too. [nt]

Key Points from the Discussion

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