Vintage Jaeger LeCoultre WWW ‘' Dirty Dozen ’' World War II Military Issued Soldier’s Wrist Watch. c.1944.
CLOCK MECHANISM SERVICED.
CLEANED AND LUBRICATED.
A stunning example of Jaeger LeCoultre’s WWII-issue production piece for the Ministry of Defence in 1944. A 35mm case with fixed lug bars, original dial with pumpkin like patina tone to hour plots and sunken sub-seconds register at 6 o’clock. Very subtle wear to parts of the case edges and lugs which gives it a beautiful vintage feel and detracts nothing from the watch’s general excellent condition. Out of the circa 150,000 pieces delivered between 1944 & 1945, only around 6000 pieces were Jaeger-LeCoultre making this branded watch among the most sought after pieces of the “Dozen”. At 35mm, the case of the LeCoultre sits wonderfully on wrist and benefits from a striking lug design. Unusually the present watch was re-cased in a Mark 11 Jaeger LeCoultre steel case and is finished with cathedral hands. We believe this may have been done historically and to be honest we think it looks the part and will certainly look much better in the long run as it will not rub and wear out in the same way a chrome topped version would! The cathedral style of hands are only featured on 1 other branded watch from “The Dozen”, that being the Longines “Greenlander”.
The condition on the example on offer here is remarkable, particularly in the steel case! The dial exudes a lovely patina to it and a lovely warmth coming from the lume which has taken on a stunning shade which separates this watch from many other examples we have ever seen, and we have seen many! As you would come to expect, the W W W engraving is on the case back and fixed lug bars complete the military package along with the broad arrow.
Technical specifications
Winding: Manually wound.
Movement type: Mechanical.
Calibre: 479
Jewels: 16.
The watch is in working condition. Additional photos upon request.