Hs111 delves into the fascinating world of military watches, showcasing two notable Jaeger-LeCoultre favorites: the Mark VII Weems and a WWW (Wrist Watch Waterproof) MoD modification. This post offers a detailed look at their historical context, distinctive features, and movements, providing valuable insights for collectors interested in vintage military horology. The author's personal reflections and detailed imagery bring these historical pieces to life.
Friends,
After I have been sharing my begin-of-week choices,
I just thought to continue, with one of my JLC side-themes,
featuring some historical context, but also interesting possibilities..
The topic are some military watches, mostly here rather small in diameter,
but with lots of character and pedigree..
So I would like to take the opportunity to share a Mark VII, type Weems,
and a WWW, Ministry of defense (MoD) modification.
Several of you know the Weems, named after the US military pilot, Philip
vanHorn Weems; he who featured this patent in July 1935:
this pilot watch with a bigger setting crown @ 4 for the rotatable bezel,
once the time has been set.
The Crown is big enough to be operated also with gloves.
The second pecularity is the red "60" @ 12, for syncing, all other indices
are engraved in black.
Overall a smallish watch, with 33mm, but rather thick, and in fact wearing
a bit larger.
Pls find this example here, with a "sterile" dial; others can be found with LeCoultre :
signing..
Usually the US deemed Weems were labelled LeCoultre, whereas the English ones
without dial signage. They had the typical engravings:
Somewhat thicker, but well proportioned. Note the bigger crown @4 !
)
Mark VII A - Type Weems ( SSS=Smith, Stevenson & Sons, dealership)
Solid, nice presence on the wrist
The other of todays examples, the WWW, ( Wrist Watch Waterproof) in the MoD modification,
where the dial luminosa has been changed or put there (?) in the first place with
a circled, stamped P in the subsecond( likely for Promethium, a reflector with minor radioactivity).
Worth mentioning are the case, Chromium plated, 35 mm & characteristic caseback engravings,
as usual for military pieces. Likewise it's maybe worth mentioning, that the WWW, was no
pilot watch, but a piece for the British infantry, but also for Australia & Holland to name a few.
A cool companion, wearing a bit larger due to bezel
An additional nice feature is a nice, brass movement, Cal 479;
Interesting, that from the military " magic Trio", ( Mark VII/ Weems or no-Weems, and Mark XI)
)
Very nice brass movement (Credit : Pic - Nicolas , watch - hs)
Find here below again a WS example for the WWW/ MoD modification:
Also a strong presence, but with character in appeal.
If you want more information, consult Nico's great review from Jan/ 214 and/or Zaf Basha's
book for the WWW; for the Mark VII Weems another review, also by Nicolas, from May, 2009
The engravings here were: above ser no, then British up-arrow, then the WWW, naming the type;
followed by the letter F ( BTW also shared by Longines), then a 5-digit unit number.
WWW caseback
Here the two militaries together.. Looking forward to wearing them..
Duo with character & convincing presence
Sometimes small is pretty strong, isn't it ?
I love those JLC militaries, being a special treat !
Best, hs
