What is a dirty dozen watch?

A dirty dozen watch is one of a group of twelve specific timepieces supplied to the British Army by various Swiss manufacturers during the Second World War. These watches adhered to strict military specifications including black dials, Arabic numerals and stainless steel cases. Collectors prize them for their standardised military design and clear government broad arrow markings on the case back and dial.

How do I identify a trench watch?

A trench watch is identified by its transitional pocket-watch style case fitted with soldered wire loop lugs to accommodate a leather strap. They frequently feature porcelain enamel dials and sometimes include a removable metal grille or shrapnel guard over the glass. These pieces date predominantly from the First World War era and represent the earliest widespread adoption of wristwatches by military officers.

What do military issue markings mean?

Military issue markings indicate government ownership, department allocation and inventory serial numbers assigned upon military distribution. Common stamps include the British broad arrow, A.T.P. designations and specific RAF or Kriegsmarine codes. These engravings provide authentic historical context and help verify the active service lineage of the instrument.

Are vintage military watches waterproof?

Vintage military watches were originally built to withstand field conditions, moisture and dust, but gaskets and seals degrade over decades. Modern waterproof standards do not apply to historical pieces from the mid-twentieth century. It is wise to keep them away from water and humidity unless a professional watchmaker has recently serviced and tested the case seals.

How should I store a mechanical military watch?

A mechanical military watch should be stored in a dry, stable environment away from direct sunlight and strong magnetic fields. Winding and running the movement periodically helps keep the internal oils distributed correctly. Keeping them in a dedicated watch box protects the acrylic or glass crystals and the historic leather straps from unnecessary wear.

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Vintage Military Watch

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When you handle a vintage military watch, you hold a precision instrument built for deployment in the air, at sea or across the battlefield.

$Rare Ww1 Military Issued Black Dial Trench Watch Circa 1916 – Original Military Markings /I\ 25105r$

1900 - 1920

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Rare Ww1 Military Issued Black Dial Trench Watch Circa 1916 – Original Military Markings /I\ 25105r

From Oliver Sargent Antiques

£895

3+ MONTHS AGO

watches

Gents 1940s Roamer German Luftwaffe Military Wrist Watch

1920 - 1940

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Gents 1940s Roamer German Luftwaffe Military Wrist Watch

From The Vintage Wrist Watch Company

£195

3+ MONTHS AGO

watches

1900 - 1920

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Antique Zenith Pocket Watch, 1914

From The Vintage Wrist Watch Company

£325

3+ MONTHS AGO

watches

1920 - 1940

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Gents Omega Wrist Watch, 1939

From The Vintage Wrist Watch Company

£435

3+ MONTHS AGO

watches

Swiss Silver Pocket Watch with Ottoman Military Arms and Cyrillic Inscription «??????????». C. 1882–1912

19th century

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Swiss Silver Pocket Watch with Ottoman Military Arms and Cyrillic Inscription «??????????». C. 1882–1912

From Ritas Bazaar

£800

3+ MONTHS AGO

watches

Belair 17-Jewel Watch with Rare Black 24-Hour Dial – 1960s

1940 - 1960

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Belair 17-Jewel Watch with Rare Black 24-Hour Dial – 1960s

From Oliver Sargent Antiques

£395

3+ MONTHS AGO

watches

Ww2 Ebel Raf Issue Pilots Watch
a.m. 6b/159 5648/42 – Dated 1942

1920 - 1940

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Ww2 Ebel Raf Issue Pilots Watch a.m. 6b/159 5648/42 – Dated 1942

From Oliver Sargent Antiques

£1,875

3+ MONTHS AGO

watches

Large Antique Altimeter, Poss Military Observation Balloon

1900 - 1920

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Large Antique Altimeter, Poss Military Observation Balloon

From The Vintage Wrist Watch Company

£195

3+ MONTHS AGO

watches

Gents Large Antique West End Watch Co Wrist Watch

1900 - 1920

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Gents Large Antique West End Watch Co Wrist Watch

From The Vintage Wrist Watch Company

£495

3+ MONTHS AGO

watches

Ww1 German Navy Officer of the Watch Telescope
voigtländer & Sohn Ag, Braunschweig – No. M1177, Circa 1914

1900 - 1920

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Ww1 German Navy Officer of the Watch Telescope voigtländer & Sohn Ag, Braunschweig – No. M1177, Circa 1914

From Oliver Sargent Antiques

£495

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

Some Second World War pilots checked the time against cockpit instruments bearing explicit Royal Air Force issue numbers while navigating through cloud cover.

Swedish City Army-issued Military Watch — Ref. 3 Crowns No. 368 (Circa 1960s)

1940 - 1960

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Swedish City Army-issued Military Watch — Ref. 3 Crowns No. 368 (Circa 1960s)

From Oliver Sargent Antiques

£1,295

3+ MONTHS AGO

watches

Oil Painting “The Watch on the Moor” by John A. Houston, R.s.a.

19th century

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Oil Painting “The Watch on the Moor” by John A. Houston, R.s.a.

From Sinclairs Antiques and Interiors

£220

3+ MONTHS AGO

art

Ww2 Revue (Vertex) A.t.p. Cal 57 Military Issue Watch Ref A.t.p. 38280, Dating Circa 1940

1920 - 1940

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Ww2 Revue (Vertex) A.t.p. Cal 57 Military Issue Watch Ref A.t.p. 38280, Dating Circa 1940

From Oliver Sargent Antiques

£445

3+ MONTHS AGO

watches

Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Ross of London, Victorian, 1900

19th century

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Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Ross of London, Victorian, 1900

From London Fine Antiques

£995

3+ MONTHS AGO

miscellaneous

Omega Suverän 2400 35mm Swedish Military Issue Cal. 30t2 1944 Wrist Watch

1920 - 1940

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Omega Suverän 2400 35mm Swedish Military Issue Cal. 30t2 1944 Wrist Watch

From Chase Hattan Watches

£1,600

3+ MONTHS AGO

watches

Rare Benrus Sky Chief Aviators Chronograph Watch. 1950s.

1940 - 1960

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Rare Benrus Sky Chief Aviators Chronograph Watch. 1950s.

From Dragoncharger Antiques

£3,950

3+ MONTHS AGO

watches

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Vintage Military Watch

Rare Ww1 Military Issued Black Dial Trench Watch Circa 1916 – Original Military Markings /I\ 25105r

Gents 1940s Roamer German Luftwaffe Military Wrist Watch

Antique Zenith Pocket Watch, 1914

Gents Omega Wrist Watch, 1939

Swiss Silver Pocket Watch with Ottoman Military Arms and Cyrillic Inscription «??????????». C. 1882–1912

Belair 17-Jewel Watch with Rare Black 24-Hour Dial – 1960s

Ww2 Ebel Raf Issue Pilots Watch a.m. 6b/159 5648/42 – Dated 1942

Large Antique Altimeter, Poss Military Observation Balloon

Gents Large Antique West End Watch Co Wrist Watch

Ww1 German Navy Officer of the Watch Telescope voigtländer & Sohn Ag, Braunschweig – No. M1177, Circa 1914

Swedish City Army-issued Military Watch — Ref. 3 Crowns No. 368 (Circa 1960s)

Oil Painting “The Watch on the Moor” by John A. Houston, R.s.a.

Ww2 Revue (Vertex) A.t.p. Cal 57 Military Issue Watch Ref A.t.p. 38280, Dating Circa 1940

Antique Officer of the Watch Telescope, English, Ross of London, Victorian, 1900

Omega Suverän 2400 35mm Swedish Military Issue Cal. 30t2 1944 Wrist Watch

Rare Benrus Sky Chief Aviators Chronograph Watch. 1950s.

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