Wristwatch · Military watch

Longines WWW 'Greenlander' Ref. 23088

Partially verified

This is a vintage manual-winding wristwatch, identified as a 'WWW' model produced for the British Ministry of Defence. Dating to circa 1945, the watch is referred to as the 'Greenlander'. It features a 36mm stainless steel case characterized by 'stepped' finishing on the top and lugs that slope downward. The matte black dial includes an oversized subsidiary register, white Arabic numeral markers, and the 'Broad Arrow' insignia. The timepiece is powered by the Longines Calibre 12.68Z movement. The watch is currently fitted with a reproduction single-pass textile strap. The object is presented in an aged condition, with wear visible on the dial, as described in the vendor's condition report. The history of the 'Greenlander' moniker, previously linked to a 1952-54 expedition, has been debunked, though the nickname remains in use for this reference.

Front view of the Longines 'Greenlander' Ref. 23088 showing the matte black dial and Broad Arrow marker. — Oliver & Clarke. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: oliverandclarke.com
Category: Wristwatch · Military watch
Maker / attribution: Longines
Reference: 23088
Catalogue / lot identifier: Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date: circa 1945
Source-reported place: Switzerland

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 Dial Design

The watch is housed in a 36mm stainless steel case. The design incorporates a distinct 'stepped' finish on the top case, complemented by lugs that exhibit a downward slope. These structural features were part of the specifications requested by the British Ministry of Defence for their military-issued timepieces.

The matte black dial displays signs of age and patina. It features an oversized subsidiary register positioned at the bottom, and the top half of the dial is marked with a 'Broad Arrow'. Arabic numerals are used for the hour markers, and the dial bears the inscription 'SWISS MADE' at the bottom.

Evidence for this section

“very nice 36mm case retaining excellent (and attractive) 'stepped' finishing on the top case and nice thick lugs that gently slope downward”
“matte black dial inside shows some wear and patina from age”
“bears the desirable 'Broad Arrow' on the top half with an oversized subsidiary register on the bottom”

Movement and Functionality

The timepiece is powered by the Longines Calibre 12.68Z, a manual-winding movement. This caliber was chosen to meet military requirements for reliability and accuracy. The watch was engineered to provide resistance to shock, magnetism, and dust, as required by the British Ministry of Defence standards at the time of production.

The watch is presented in what the vendor describes as honest overall condition. It has been fitted with a replacement single-pass textile strap to accommodate its intended use in military service.

Evidence for this section

“powered by one of Longines' own Calibre 12.68Z manual-winding movements”
“produce a timepiece that had a certain level of resistance to shock, magnetism, dust, and of course, excellent timekeeping”
“comes fitted to a fantastic re-production single-pass textile strap”

Nomenclature and History

This watch is commonly referred to by the nickname 'Greenlander'. The vendor notes that this name was previously associated with the 1952-54 British North Greenland Expedition, though this connection has been debunked. Despite the lack of an association with this specific expedition, the watch is recognized for its historical pedigree as a piece of military-issued equipment.

The watch belongs to a series of twelve models produced to meet British military specifications. While the 'Greenlander' name is widely used, it does not imply that all such watches participated in the Greenland expedition, as many saw service in other environments during the mid-20th century.

Evidence for this section

“The name 'Greenlander' was initially tied to a claimed role in the 1952-54 British North Greenland Expedition, but has since since been debunked”
“apart of a series of twelve watches that were was born out of the necessity of the British Ministry Of Defence”

Open research questions

What is the specific production date range for Ref. 23088 within the British military order?
Are there distinct dial variations within the surviving Ref. 23088 examples?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Longines WWW 'Greenlander' Ref. 23088
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Date	circa 1945	“dates to circa 1945”
Movement	Longines Calibre 12.68Z	“powered by one of Longines' own Calibre 12.68Z manual-winding movements”
Case diameter	36mm	“very nice 36mm case”

Visible details

Matte black dial with Broad Arrow symbol
Stepped case construction
Subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock
Beige-colored textile strap

Research qualifications

Claim of role in 1952-54 British North Greenland Expedition is debunked
Exact production numbers for this specific reference within the series are not stated

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

Consulted source

Longines WWW 'Greenlander' Ref. 23088 - Matte Black 'Broad Arrow' Dial

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 8e976b741a

Terms in this record

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