MWC 1940s/1950s "Dirty Dozen" Military Watch with 24-Jewel Swiss Sellita SW216 Handwound Movement and Domed Vintage Box Sapphire Crystal

MWC 1940s/1950s "Dirty Dozen" Military Watch with 24-Jewel Swiss Sellita SW216 Handwound Movement and Domed Vintage Box Sapphire CrystalSKU Code: W10 445 23CH This classic hand wound, 24 jewel MWC military watch, inspired by the 1940s 1950s design patterns, features a Swiss Sellita SW216 movement and a small subsidiary dial second hand. It retains the original appearance of the watches used by the British military during that era, while the improved water resistance of 100m (330 feet) and the shatter and scratch resistant sapphire box crystal enhance its durability. Despite these

SKU Code: W10/445-23CH

This classic hand-wound, 24-jewel MWC military watch, inspired by the 1940s/1950s design patterns, features a Swiss Sellita SW216 movement and a small subsidiary dial second hand. It retains the original appearance of the watches used by the British military during that era, while the improved water resistance of 100m (330 feet) and the shatter and scratch-resistant sapphire box crystal enhance its durability. Despite these enhancements, the crystal maintains the look of the original plexiglass without its drawbacks. 

This watch boasts a heavy stainless steel satin finish case made from Military Grade 316L stainless steel, a subsidiary dial second hand, a screw-down crown, a hacking function, a black dial with luminous markings, and a historically accurate canvas strap reminiscent of the 1940s and 50s.

The final image showcases the original 12 watches produced by companies like Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lemania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor, and Vertex. MWC, founded in 1974, was not among the original manufacturers but this watch captures the spirit of the originals.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 36.5 mm excluding crown, 39 mm including crown
• Lug to Lug: 43 mm
• Thickness: 12.5 mm
• Lug Type: Solid fixed strap bars
• Dial Color: Black
• Case Material: 316L stainless steel
• Caseback: 316L stainless steel
• Crown: Stainless steel screw-down locking crown
• Water Resistance: 100m / 330ft / 10 ATM
• Movement: Swiss hand-wound 24-jewel mechanical Sellita 216
• Crystal: Shatter and scratch-resistant sapphire box crystal with anti-reflective coating
• 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

Benefits of Sapphire Crystal:

Many people ask about the advantages of sapphire crystal over the original plexiglass. Synthetic sapphire is the superior material for watch crystals due to its strength and resistance to shattering and scratching, making it ideal for military and security personnel, police officers, and active outdoor enthusiasts, who comprise over 70% of our customers. The original plexiglass crystals, made of plastic/acrylic, were prone to scratches and cracks and limited the water resistance of the watch. In contrast, sapphire crystals are heat-treated to eliminate internal stresses, enhancing durability. Two layers of anti-reflective coating are then applied. Although sapphire crystal is more expensive, it is typically found only in higher specification watches.

Swiss Sellita SW216 Movement Winding Guidelines:

To wind the SW216 from an empty state to full, you'll need approximately 20 to 25 turns of the crown, which is significantly less than most other hand-wound watches that require 30 to 40 turns. Once fully wound, the watch has an average power reserve of around 42 hours. Be cautious during the winding process, as securing the locking crown adds an additional 3 to 4 winds. This feature, designed to enhance water resistance, is uncommon in most hand-wound watches of this type.

For daily wearers who wind the watch every morning, a slight variation in the number of turns will not significantly impact the power reserve, as it will remain well below the maximum of 42 hours. Some users report that 15-17 turns are sufficient when winding every 24 hours, which is logical since the watch wouldn’t need a full wind after 24 hours. Most owners develop a sense of the optimal winding routine within the first few days of ownership.

It's crucial not to overwind the watch, as this can cause the mainspring to lock up or break. Overwinding occurs when a mechanism is wound beyond its designated stopping point, posing a risk of damage. Adhering to the recommended winding procedures ensures the longevity and proper functioning of the timepiece. Note that overwinding is a concern primarily for manually-wound watches, not for automatic ones, which cannot be overwound.