Vertex W.W.W. British Military Wristwatch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1944–1945
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.
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
- Type
- Military & trench watch
- Jewels
- 15j
- Calibre
- Calibre 56
- Lug Width
- 18mm
- Case Width
- 35.5mm
- Lug Height
- 47mm
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Model Reference
- A12734. 3525650
- Maker / attribution
- Vertex
Design
- Visible features
- • 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Identification
- Reference
- A12734
- Serial number
- 3525650
- 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: Case back military engravings and movement are mentioned in the source description but are not visible in the provided photograph.
- Research required: Source text presents conflicting dating, citing 'c.1944' in the title and 'c.1945' under the specification table.