MWC 1940s/1950s "Dirty Dozen" Pattern General Service Watch with Automatic Self Winding Mechanical Movement and Sapphire Box Crystal

Product Details

SKU Code: DD/01AU/S

This automatic self-winding MWC military watch features a classic 1940s/1950s design with a small subsidiary dial second hand, based on the typical designs used by the British forces from the 1940s through to the 1950s.

This watch features a sapphire box crystal, combining vintage style with modern durability. Inspired by the domed designs of the 1950s, the raised crystal offers a classic look while providing exceptional scratch resistance—second only to diamond. Sapphire stays clear and pristine over time, enhancing legibility and long-term resilience. The watch has also been upgraded to an automatic movement, replacing the original hand-wound mechanical version. It can still be manually wound if preferred, offering flexibility alongside convenience. This blend of traditional aesthetics and modern performance ensures a timeless appearance with practical enhancements for everyday wear.

Key Features:

• Authentic Design: Modeled after the classic military watches of the British forces from the 1940s and 50s.
• Vintage Look, Modern Performance: The watch retains the vintage aesthetic of the original models, including the appearance of an acrylic crystal, thanks to a modern sapphire box crystal that is virtually indistinguishable but far more scratch and shatter resistant.
• Modern Movement: Upgraded to a 21-jewel self-winding automatic movement, with the option for manual winding.
• Robust Construction: Heavy stainless steel satin finish case made from Military Grade 316L stainless steel.
• Enhanced Readability: Black dial with luminous markings and a subsidiary second-hand dial.
• Historical Accuracy: Comes with a historically accurate canvas strap as used in the 1940s and 50s.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 36.5 mm excluding crown, 39 mm including crown
• Lug to Lug: 43 mm
• Thickness: 13.5 mm
• Lug Type: Solid fixed strap bars
• Dial Colour: Black
• Case Material: 316L stainless steel
• Caseback: 316L stainless steel
• Crown: 316L stainless steel
• Water Resistance: 10 ATM (100 m)**
• Movement: 21 Jewel Automatic
• Glass: Sapphire Box Crystal
• Luminous Material: Luminova
• Serial Number: Engraved on caseback
• Strap: 18 mm 1950s Pattern Canvas
• Packaging: Supplied in a box
• Guarantee: 24 Months

The final image shows the original 12 watches made by companies such as Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, Jaeger Le-Coultre, Lemania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor, and Vertex. While MWC was not a manufacturer at the time, having been founded in 1974, this watch captures the spirit of the originals.*

* Photo Credit: Watches Of Knightsbridge

For anyone interested in the history of the Dirty Dozen these links show the 12 original watches and explain the history.

The Dirty Dozen 1

The Dirty Dozen 2

The Dirty Dozen 3

• Delivery

  • Shipping Information

    Europe, UK, and Rest of World

    Tracked Mail:

    • Europe: €11.75 / £9.99 / US$12.95
    • UK: £7.95 / €9.50 / US$10.50
    • Rest of World: US$22.75 / €20.50 / £17.50

    Express Courier (UPS or FedEx):

    • Europe: €23.50 / £19.99 / US$25.95
    • UK (UPS/DPD):  £12.95 / €15.25 / US$16.95
    • Rest of World: US$45.50 / €41.25 / £34.95

    Note: The exact shipping cost may vary slightly depending on the weight and dimensions, but it will only differ by a small amount and will be shown at checkout. The above rates cover approximately 85% of parcels.

    Order and Shipment Confirmation

    You will generally receive two emails after placing an order:

    1. Confirmation of receipt of the order and payment.
    2. Notification of shipment once the goods are dispatched.

    Processing Time: Orders are shipped by the Post Office or Courier within 48 hours of payment processing. Note that our shipping centers are closed on Saturdays and Sundays; therefore, orders placed during this time may take up to 72 hours to be dispatched. This includes orders placed after 14:00 (CET) on Fridays.

    Estimated Delivery Times (in working days):

    • Europe:
      • UPS: 2 to 5 days
      • Registered Mail: 7 to 14 days
    • UK:
      • DPD or UPS: 24 hours
      • Tracked Mail: 1 to 2 days
    • Rest of World:
      • UPS: 3 to 10 days
      • Registered Mail: 7 to 21 days*

    *Some countries are notoriously slow to process goods on arrival, including Israel, Hong Kong, Macau, Mexico, South Africa, and some South American countries. Significant delays can also occur in other countries in Africa. For time-sensitive deliveries, we recommend using UPS, DHL, or FedEx.

    All shipping estimates exclude Saturdays and Sundays.

    While we strive to deliver within the above timeframes, they are guides, and delivery cannot be guaranteed. We are not responsible for delays caused by couriers or any national postal service. If your goods are not delivered within the estimated time, please contact us at admin@mwc.watch, and we will do our best to resolve the issue promptly. We are not liable for any loss caused by late delivery.

    Our delivery charges cover the cost of shipping to you but do not include import charges and administration fees to clear the goods when entering your country if applicable.

    It is the purchaser's responsibility to understand that charges may be levied and to pay all subsequent import taxes and duties on goods shipped to their country. If items are returned to MWC due to rejected payment, subsequent charges incurred (such as import duty and processing costs) will be deducted from any refund issued. For more information, please contact accounts@mwc-distribution.com

    If you need to clarify any details regarding local taxes for your location, please contact us before placing an order. For clarification, goods shipped to the EU can be dispatched from our EU location if ordered at https://mwc.eu/, and we also have a dedicated UK shipping center at https://mwcwatches.co.uk/. In the United States, orders under $800 do not incur taxes or fees. In Australia, orders up to AU$1000 are tax-free. Many other countries have similar regulations, which you can verify using this helpful link: Zonos De Minimis Values and also this link to calculate taxes for shipments to most countries worldwide https://www.simplyduty.com/import-calculator/

    We do not accept liability for goods lost after delivery to a PO Box. We reserve the right to cancel orders where the delivery address is a PO Box. Similarly, we do not accept liability for goods lost after confirmed delivery to APO or BFPO locations.

    Customer Notification: It is the customer's responsibility to notify us if goods are not received within 21 days of the estimated delivery date. If no notification is made within this period, the buyer is deemed to have received the goods.

    Safe Place Deliveries

    Some delivery companies allow for delivery without a signature, leaving the item in a "safe place" (e.g., shed, garage, porch). If you choose this option, it is at your own risk. We initially send items by a secure service requiring a signature or proof of delivery. Using a "safe place" increases the risk of theft. We advise ensuring deliveries require a signature to ensure safe receipt.

    Failed Deliveries

    If an item is refused and returned to us, we will refund the order less the outbound and inbound shipping charges once the item is received back at our packing and shipping center. For business locations, please notify the receiving personnel of the expected delivery to avoid refusals. Usually, we will be notified of delivery issues and will email you for instructions. It is important to act quickly to avoid return and associated costs.

    For any questions or further assistance, please contact us at admin@mwc.watch.