Lot 117
Vertex. An unusual nickel-plated brass and steel mechanical military-issue wristwatch
Issue No. A 9477 - 3522393, made in the 1940s
Auction: 20 May 2026 from 14:00 BST
Description
Cal.59 hand-wound 15 jewel movement, matt black dial with white numerals, outer luminescent dots, subsidiary seconds, luminescent hands, nickel plated brass case with steel screw-down reverse numbered to the inner and outer with military engravings, fixed bar lugs. On black leather strap
Dimensions
Diameter 36mm.
Footnote
This watch is one of the ‘Dirty Dozen’ watches commissioned by the British Ministry of Defence during World War II. Twelve companies, including IWC, Vertex and JLC, fulfilled the brief for these custom-built wristwatches, the first non-civilian watches worn by British soldiers. The W.W.W. engraving, standing for Watch, Wrist, Waterproof, on the case back makes these watches instantly recognisable. They have become some of the most collectible, especially amongst those interested in British military history.