Record WWII Military "Dirty Dozen" Watch
About the Watch:
During World War II, 12 of the world's most prestigious watch manufacturers produced timepieces commissioned for use by the British Ministry of Defense. Those manufacturers included Longines, Jaeger LeCoultre, IWC, Lemania, Omega, as well as Record, CYMA, Timor, Buren, Vertex, Eterna, and Grana. Identified by their distinct W.W.W. engraving on the case back, which stands for Watch, Wrist, Waterproof, the “Dirty Dozen” pieces remain popular among military history enthusiasts and collectors.
The History:
Record Watch Company began producing timepieces in 1903, in Switzerland. In 1916, the company merged with other companies to become the Record Dreadnought Watch Co and produced a number of clocks, watches, and movements. During WWII, Record was one of 12 companies commissioned to produce a field watch for the British Armed Forces. After its acquisition by Longings in 1961, timepieces were produced under Longines-Record, until 1991 when the brand was shuttered.
The Watch:
The Record WWII Military Watch has a 36.5 mm chrome top case, with a screw-on case back. The Record is powered by a 15-jewel 022K Caliber movement, with a black dial and pencil-style hands.
The Details:
This Record WWII Military “Dirty Dozen” Watch is in good condition, with wear consistent with the age of this timepiece, as visible in the photos. The dial on this piece is a service MOD dial, replaced by REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanic Engineers, which was in charge of upkeep and care for all British Armed Services electric and mechanical equipment). The hands on this timepiece have been relumed, and the crown replaced.
