24th Aug, 2026 19:00
Open House | to include the John Mitchell Collection of Military Horology
An IWC WWII stainless steel British military-issued ‘Dirty Dozen’ mechanical watch head
1940s,
Mk X, Issue No. M14356, Cal. 83 hand-wound 15-jewel movement, a matt black dial with white numerals and subsidiary seconds, arrow and WWW to the back, strap deficient
Case diameter 35mm
Provenance:The John Mitchell Collection of Military Horology
Footnote:This watch is one of the ‘Dirty Dozen’ watches commissioned by the British Ministry of Defence during World War II. Twelve companies, including IWC, Vertex and JLC, fulfilled the brief for these custom-built wristwatches, the first non-civilian watches worn by British soldiers. The W.W.W. engraving, standing for 'Watch, Wrist, Waterproof', on the case back makes these watches instantly recognisable. They have become some of the most collectable, especially amongst those interested in British military history.
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Estimated at £1,200 - £1,800
Condition Report
Winds and ticking but no guarantee as to time keeping or continued running.
Hands adjust and move correctly.
Light scratches and marks to glass.
Auction: Open House | to include the John Mitchell Collection of Military Horology, 24th Aug, 2026
Viewing
Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:
Wednesday 19 August, 10am - 3pm
Thursday 20 August, 10am - 3pm
Friday 21 August, 10am - 3pm
Monday 24 August, 10am-3pm
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