MWC 1940s/1950s "Dirty Dozen" Pattern General Service Watch with 24 Je

This watch was used for promotion by the manufacturer and appeared in photographs which appear in magazines, on their website and  in other promotional material. It offers a substantial saving over the regular price but it is brand new with a full factory guarantee. Other than the possibility it may show signs of handling it is a brand new watch. 

SKU Code: W10/445-23CH

Product Overview

This classic hand-wound MWC W10/445-23CH military watch is a modern recreation of the iconic British military timepieces used from the 1940s to 1950s. Powered by a Swiss Sellita SW216 24-jewel mechanical movement, it features a small subsidiary seconds dial and faithfully retains the look and feel of the original issue watches — but with several key upgrades for modern durability and reliability.

One of the most significant improvements is the use of a shatter- and scratch-resistant sapphire box crystal, which mimics the vintage domed plexiglass appearance but without any of the drawbacks. Combined with a screw-down crown and caseback, this allows for enhanced water resistance up to 100 meters (330 feet) — a significant leap beyond the original specifications.

Crafted from military-grade 316L stainless steel, the watch includes a black dial with Luminova lume, hacking seconds, and a period-correct canvas strap in true 1950s military style.

Specifications

• Case Diameter: 36.5mm (excluding crown), 39mm (including crown)

• Lug to Lug: 43mm

• Thickness: 12.5mm

• Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel

• Crystal: Sapphire box crystal with anti-reflective coating

• Dial Color: Black

• Luminous Material: Luminova

• Movement: Swiss Sellita SW216 hand-wound, 24 jewels, with hacking function

• Water Resistance: 100m / 330ft / 10 ATM

• Strap: 18mm 1950s-pattern military canvas strap

• Strap Bars: Solid fixed

• Caseback & Crown: Screw-down

• Serial Number: Engraved on caseback

• Packaging: Supplied in a presentation box

• Warranty: 24 months

About the "Dirty Dozen" Heritage

The final image on this listing shows the original "Dirty Dozen" — twelve companies that were commissioned to make watches for the British Ministry of Defence: Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lemania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor, and Vertex. While MWC did not exist at the time (founded in 1974), this model pays tribute to those original designs with utmost respect and authenticity.

For those interested in the history of the Dirty Dozen, check out the following resources:

• The Dirty Dozen 1

• The Dirty Dozen 2

• The Dirty Dozen 3

Why Sapphire Crystal?

Many ask why we use sapphire crystals instead of mineral glass. Here’s why:

Sapphire is one of the hardest and most durable materials available for watch crystals. It’s shatter- and scratch-resistant, making it ideal for demanding conditions faced by military personnel, police officers, and outdoor adventurers — who make up over 70% of our customer base.

Even hardened mineral glass doesn’t come close. Over 90% of cracked crystal repairs we see are on watches with mineral glass. The sapphire used here is heat-treated to eliminate internal stress, then coated with two layers of anti-reflective coating — similar to what you now find on high-end smartphones like the iPhone.

Sapphire does add to the cost — but if you value long-term durability and clarity, it’s worth every penny.

Winding Guidelines – Sellita SW216 Movement

To fully wind the SW216 movement from empty, rotate the crown approximately 20 to 25 turns. Unlike many other hand-wound watches (which often require 30–40 turns), this movement requires fewer rotations to reach full power — delivering a 42-hour power reserve.

Please note:

• The screw-down crown adds another 3–4 turns during the final tightening, so factor this in.

• Most users find 15–17 turns per day sufficient when worn daily.

• You'll quickly develop a feel for the right amount after a few days.

⚠️ Important: Do not overwind the watch. Overwinding occurs when a manually wound watch is turned beyond its mechanical limit, risking damage to the mainspring. This is not a concern with automatic watches, but essential to avoid on hand-wound models like this one.

Experience true vintage military style backed by modern engineering — a timeless piece built for the present.