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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Military wristwatch

Vertex W.W.W. British Military Wristwatch

Partially verified

This military wristwatch by Vertex represents one of the British Ministry of Defence 'Dirty Dozen' W.W.W. models commissioned during the Second World War. Housed in a stainless steel case measuring 35.5 mm in diameter and 47 mm lug-to-lug, the watch features a matte black dial with Arabic numerals, an outer railroad minute track, luminous hour markers, pencil hands, and an auxiliary subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o'clock. A broad arrow military property insignia is displayed below the brand name. The source reports that the watch is powered by a 15-jewel manual-winding Vertex calibre 56 mechanical movement.

Three-quarter front view of the Vertex W.W.W. military wristwatch on a green textile strap
Three-quarter front view of the Vertex W.W.W. military wristwatch on a green textile strap — Vintage Watch Specialist. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintagewatchspecialist.com
Category
Wristwatch · Military wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Vertex
Reference
A12734
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
c. 1944–1945
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
3525650

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

Identity and Provenance

This timepiece is listed as a Vertex 'W.W.W.' model, described as one of the twelve manufacturers commissioned by the British Ministry of Defence during the Second World War. It is catalogued with model reference A12734 and serial number 3525650.

The source documentation provides conflicting information regarding its production, citing 'c.1944' in the title and 'c.1945' within the technical specifications table. The watch is currently presented on a military-style strap.

Evidence for this section
  • “Vertex www Dirty Dozen - British Military Soldier's Watch - c.1944”
  • “Model Ref A12734. 3525650”
  • “Date of Issue c.1945”

Dial and Visual Characteristics

The watch features a black dial with Arabic numerals, a minute track, and luminous hour markers. A broad arrow insignia is present beneath the brand name, and a subsidiary seconds dial is located at the 6 o'clock position. The dial displays pencil-style hands.

The source notes visible wear on the stainless steel case and acrylic crystal. While the seller describes the luminous material as 'original' and 'aged', this characterization is a claim by the retailer.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial Black”
  • “The rich black dial remains wonderfully legible, with bold Arabic numerals, crisp minute track and original luminous plots that have aged evenly”
  • “The pencil hands retain their original lume”

Mechanism and Construction

The timepiece is powered by a manual-winding Vertex calibre 56 movement with 15 jewels. The case is constructed of stainless steel, measuring 35.5 mm in width with a 47 mm lug height and 18 mm lug width.

The source references engraved military markings on the case back, though these specific engravings are not visible in the provided photographic materials.

Evidence for this section
  • “Calibre 56”
  • “Jewels 15j”
  • “Width 35.5mm”
  • “Lug Height 47mm”
  • “Turn the watch over and the engraved military markings on the case back clearly confirm its wartime provenance”

Open research questions

  • What specific military engraving exists on the case back to reconcile the c.1944/1945 date discrepancy?
  • Can the luminous material be verified as period-correct through non-destructive testing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vertex W.W.W. British Military Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Model ReferenceA12734. 3525650“Model Ref A12734. 3525650”
CalibreCalibre 56“Calibre 56”
Jewels15j“Jewels 15j”
Case Width35.5mm“Width 35.5mm”
Lug Height47mm“Lug Height 47mm”
Lug Width18mm“Lug width 18mm”
Crystal TypePlexiglass“Crystal Plexiglass”
Power Reserve36 Hours“Power Reserve 36 Hours”

Visible details

  • Black dial features a broad arrow insignia below the 'VERTEX' logo.
  • Small seconds subdial is positioned at 6 o'clock with Arabic markings at 15, 30, 45, and 60.
  • Dial is marked 'SWISS MADE' at the bottom edge around the 6 o'clock position.
  • Fitted to a green woven military-style textile pass-through strap.
  • Visible surface scratches and honest wear on the steel case, bezel, and acrylic crystal.

Research qualifications

  • Case back military engravings and movement are mentioned in the source description but are not visible in the provided photograph.
  • Source text presents conflicting dating, citing 'c.1944' in the title and 'c.1945' under the specification table.

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

Consulted source

Vertex www Dirty Dozen - British Military Soldier's Watch - c.1944 – Vintage Watch Specialist

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record f057c21575

Terms in this record

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

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