16th Jul, 2022 9:30 GMT/BST

Fine Jewellery, Watches & Silver

 
  Lot 2243
 

2243

Omega: A World War II Military Wristwatch
signed Omega, known by collectors as one of "The Dirty Dozen", circa 1944

(calibre 30T2) manual wound lever movement signed and numbered 10263212, split bimetallic balance with a blued overcoil hairspring, black dial with luminous Arabic numerals, signed and with a military broad arrow, seconds dial, stainless steel case with a screw back engraved with a broad arrow WWW Y22500 10686699, fixed bars between the lugs, inside back cover numbered 10686699, broad arrow and maker's mark Omega Watch Co

35mm wide

'The Dirty Dozen' is the name given to a group of 12 watches commissioned by the Ministry of Defence for use by soldiers during WWII. The MoD ordered custom-built wristwatches from 12 Swiss watchmakers: Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lemania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor and Vertex. Each company was given the specific brief of providing watches that were accurate, reliable and durable, with a black dial, Arabic numerals, luminous markers, a railroad minute track, shatterproof glass and a stainless-steel case. No matter the maker, these watches can be identified by the engraved 'W.W.W.' on the reverse, as well as the broad arrowhead mark on the dial, inner case, and reverse, and both military and civil serial numbers on the reverse.

Sold for £1,400
Estimated at £1,200 - £1,800


 

Case with surface scratches, case with minor dents in parts to edges, case is dirty in parts, back cover with small opening tool marks, later strap and buckle, strap is worn and needs replacing, glass with scratches, original dial finish, luminous Arabic and outer hour markers are nicely aged and have a good even patina, hands have been later painted, hands missing luminous, hand setting correctly and winding smoothly, movement in going order.

 


We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated.

Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession.

We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.

Auction: Fine Jewellery, Watches & Silver, 16th Jul, 2022

To include attractive and beautiful pieces of jewellery, with a selection of fine jewels by Boodles, Bulgari, Chopard, Tiffany, Hennell and Cartier, a strong selection of vintage collector’s and luxury modern watches, and fine pieces of period silver.

Viewing

Sunday 10 July 11am-4pm, Monday 11 July to Friday 15 July 10am-4pm and morning of sale from 8am. Viewing is open to the public, there is no need to make an appointment.

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