Skip to content
The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Military wristwatch

Cyma W.W.W. British Army Wristwatch

Partially verified

This Cyma W.W.W. wristwatch dates to circa 1944 and was produced under British military specifications during the Second World War. Constructed in a 38mm stainless steel case with fixed lug bars, the watch is reported by the seller to feature a matte black dial with Arabic numerals, pencil hands, and a subsidiary seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. The screw-down caseback is engraved with the broad arrow pheon mark along with W.W.W., P13279, and 18279. According to the seller, the timepiece is powered by a 15-jewel manual-wind Calibre 234 movement.

Rear three-quarter view showing screw-down caseback with engraved broad arrow and military issue numbers
Rear three-quarter view showing screw-down caseback with engraved broad arrow and military issue numbers — Vintage Watch Specialist. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintagewatchspecialist.com
Category
Wristwatch · Military wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Cyma
Reference
WWW
Catalogue / lot identifier
vws4114cs
Source-reported date
c.1944
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
P13279 / 18279

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and External Architecture

The watch is housed in a 38mm stainless steel case. It features a screw-down caseback, which is engraved with a broad arrow pheon, 'W.W.W.', and the serial numbers 'P13279' and '18279'.

The external configuration includes fixed wire lug bars for strap attachment and a fluted winding crown located on the side of the case. The caseback perimeter includes a six-notch design intended for a case-opening tool.

Evidence for this section
  • “Housed in a 38mm stainless steel case”
  • “Screw-down stainless steel caseback engraved with a broad arrow pheon, W.W.W., P13279, and 18279”
  • “Fixed wire lug bars for military strap attachment”
  • “Six-notch caseback perimeter for case opening tool”
  • “Fluted winding crown visible on the side of the case”

Dial and Visual Appointments

The watch features a matte black dial with Arabic numerals, pencil-style hands, and a subsidiary seconds subdial positioned at 6 o'clock.

The seller reports the dial includes luminous numerals and states that the broad arrow marking on the dial and caseback indicates British Ministry of Defence issuance.

Evidence for this section
  • “matte black military dial with luminous Arabic numerals, pencil hands and subsidiary seconds at six o'clock”
  • “The broad arrow on the dial and matching military engravings to the caseback confirm its British Ministry of Defence issue”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The watch is powered by a manual-wind Cyma Calibre 234 movement, which contains 15 jewels. The movement is specified as having an approximate 44-hour power reserve.

The item is dated by the source to circa 1944.

Evidence for this section
  • “Powered by Cyma's superb Calibre 234 manual-wind movement with 15 jewels and approximately 44 hours of power reserve”
  • “Date of Issue c.1944”

Open research questions

  • Are the serial numbers P13279 and 18279 consistent with known Cyma WWW production records?
  • Does the current movement condition match the 'fully functioning' claim made by the seller in their general policy?
  • What is the historical evidence for the specific '18279' engraving alongside the 'P13279' serial?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Cyma W.W.W. British Army Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case materialStainless Steel“Housed in a 38mm stainless steel case”
Movement calibreCalibre 234“Cyma's superb Calibre 234 manual-wind movement”
Jewel count15 jewels“with 15 jewels and approximately 44 hours of power reserve”
Case dimensions38mm width, 45mm lug height, 18mm lug width“Lug Height 45mm Width 38mm Lug width 18mm”
CrystalPlexiglass“Crystal Plexiglass”
Lug dimensions45mm height, 18mm width“Lug Height 45mm Width 38mm Lug width 18mm”

Visible details

  • Screw-down stainless steel caseback engraved with a broad arrow pheon, W.W.W., P13279, and 18279
  • Six-notch caseback perimeter for case opening tool
  • Fixed wire lug bars for military strap attachment
  • Fluted winding crown visible on the side of the case

Research qualifications

  • Dial and movement are not visible in the provided caseback photograph
  • Condition rating 8.5/10 is seller-assigned

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Cyma WWW - Military Dirty Dozen Wrist Watch - British Army Issued WW2 – Vintage Watch Specialist

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record aa3450546b

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

Other military wristwatch records