Longines WWW 'Greenlander' Ref. 23088
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1945
Maker / issuer
LonginesThis 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.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1945
- Type
- Military watch
- Movement
- Longines Calibre 12.68Z
- Case diameter
- 36mm
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Longines
Design
- Visible features
- • Matte black dial with Broad Arrow symbol • Stepped case construction • Subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock • Beige-colored textile strap
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Identification
- Reference
- 23088
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Claim of role in 1952-54 British North Greenland Expedition is debunked
- Research required: Exact production numbers for this specific reference within the series are not stated