Omega Dirty Dozen NATO Dial 10033 c.1945.

The Watch . W.W.W referred to as Wrist Watch Waterproof. . In WW2, under increasing pressure from the Germans, the MoD needed to kit out their Troops with a Wristwatch that would stand the harsh realities of War. . The MoD put out specifications for this Wristwatch, that many Swiss Companies answered, the MoD whittled this down to 12 Companies hence the term "Dirty Dozen". These needed to be accurate, reliable and durable, which in watchmaking terms meant they had to be regulated to chronometer standards, and also be waterproof and shockproof. . The watches also had to have a black dial, Arabic numerals, luminous hour and minute hands, luminous hour markers, a railroad minute track, a shatterproof crystal, and a stainless-steel case. Powering them would be 15-jewel movements, measuring between 11.75 and 13 lignes. . The 12 companies chosen were: Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lemania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor, and Vertex. . There were only 25,000 Omega Watches issued to troops during the Second World War, who knows how many survive. . This particular example has dial is a 'VB' dial, so called as instead of an Omega signature it bears the Ministry of Defence stores code (or 'VB' code) for Omega - 10033. These were fitted to Omega WWW watches when they were refurbished post war and use Tritium luminous compound instead of the highly radioactive Radium. The MoD started this change to Tritium dials in the early 1950's as the MoD grew more and more conscious about Radium use on their Dials and the effects that would come with Radium use as their Watchmakers would be exposed to hundreds, if not thousands over a short period of time. . The Specs Age: c.1945. Reference: W.W.W Movement: Manual wind with Sub Seconds. Calibre: 30t2 Timekeeping: Very good. Service History: Fully Serviced by John Senior, March 2026. Dial: MoD Spec Tritium Omega Dial. Case: All Stainless Steel. Measurements: without/with Crown: 35mm/38mm End to End: 45mm Bezel: Solid. Water Resistant?: No. Hands: Original. Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal. Crown: Correct Original unsigned Crown. Strap/Bracelet: New Khaki NATO Style Strap with Steel Fixtures. Lug Width: 18mm Getting Acquainted . Bits that stand out: -One of the most sought after Dirty Dozen models. - Hard to find in good order. -VB Tritium Dial. - Fully serviced Movement. -Military markings to the back. . Nitty Gritty: -Some age related marks and a ding to the Case. - Caseback is a little worn the markings are still nice and crisp though. . Overall the Omega is in nice Vintage condition. The Dial is in excellent order. The Case is in good nick, with a few age related marks and dings. Caseback markings are good, back itself is a little worn. Original Crown. Crystal in good shape. Hands are in lovely shape, wonderful colour. . Photographed on a 7in Wrist.