From the moon landing to record-breaking Olympic achievements, timepieces have been part of many of mankind's defining historical moments. But long before these events, they played a part in one of the most monumental periods of history: World War II.
It’s no big surprise that they played such a huge role in the conflict. After all, precise timekeeping wasn’t just important for soldiers — it was a matter of life and death. That’s why many WW2 watches are still considered to be so historically significant. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at four of the most important World War 2 watches and explore exactly why they were so vital to the war efforts.
Omega’s Dirty Dozen
When it comes to the timepieces of WW2, the “Dirty Dozen” watches are often considered among the most important models. Widely regarded as iconic WW2 memorabilia, they were produced by 12 of the key Swiss watchmakers of the era. They were commissioned by the MoD as British watchmakers were struggling to meet wartime demand. Many of these brands are still a popular choice amongst timepiece enthusiasts today, including Jaeger-LeCoultre, Longines, and, of course, Omega.
25,000 Omega timepieces were commissioned by the MoD, so it wasn’t the rarest of the Dirty Dozen watches (that title goes to those produced by Grana). But as the brand is still one of the world’s leading watchmakers, Omega’s Dirty Dozen watch is one of the most popular amongst collectors. The watch used a Calibre 30T2 movement, considered to be one of the best of the era thanks to its precision and straightforward maintenance. It also shared the key Dirty Dozen timepiece requirements set forward by the MoD, including dials with Arabic numerals, luminous hands, shatterproof crystal, a waterproof case, and a Broad Arrow engraving on the back.
Seikosha Tensoku
You may know this watchmaker as Seiko, but not long ago, the brand was known as Seikosha, and this is the manufacturer associated with one of the most significant WW2 watches, the Tensoku. This timepiece was worn by the Japanese military, primarily by Air Force pilots, but also by the Navy. The Japanese Air Force was considered to be an especially dangerous force to be part of during the war and was subject to many casualties. This may be why Seikosha Tensoku watches are considered to be incredibly rare today.
The timepiece was very large, even for military standards, with a 48.5mm case. Other notable features include its large onion-style crown (designed for easy adjustment with thick gloves), a rotating bezel, and radium-coated hands for luminescence. The watch is striking and unusual compared to many other military timepieces. Combined with its rarity, this makes the watch a fascination for many timepiece collectors and history enthusiasts.
The A-11
Often known as “the watch that won the war,” the A-11 is one of the most iconic of the WW2 watches. It was designed to be a navigation timepiece for the US Air Force, manufactured by several major American watchmakers such as Bulova. However, it was used across the globe by other Allied Forces, too, including the RAF here in the UK.
Like all military timepieces, the A-11 was manufactured with durability and precision in mind. It was significantly smaller than some other military watches at the time, with cases ranging from 32mm to 36mm, but it was still just as practical. They came with a central seconds hand (an unusual feature at the time), and hacking seconds functionality, allowing for precise synchronisation. They were also shockproof and water-resistant, making them reliable in even the harshest conditions.
Though not as rare as other WW2 watches, as so many were produced, it is still a favourite amongst collectors thanks to the timepiece’s historical significance not just in the US but across the globe.
B-Uhr
It wasn’t just Japan and the Western Allies who had a selection of significant World War 2 watches. The Germans produced key timepieces throughout the war period, the most highly sought-after among collectors being B-Uhr watches. An abbreviation of Beobachtungs-uhren (meaning “observation watches”), B-Uhr watches were manufactured by four German watchmakers, as well as the Swiss brand IWC.
These timepieces were even larger than the Seikosha Tensoku, measuring a staggering 55mm. They were made this size to accommodate the large hand-wound movements, which were typically found in pocket watches. They came with long leather straps, designed to be worn over military suits. They also came in two different dial types. The earlier type A model came with a simple 1 to 12 hour layout, while type B (which was manufactured from 1941 onwards) came with added 5 to 55 minute markings for better navigational timing.
It is stated that between around 5,000 and 6,500 B-Uhr watches were manufactured. No one knows exactly how many are left (and what condition they are in), but it is believed that there are very few still here today, making them one of the rarest of the key significant WW2 watches.
From the MoD-commissioned Dirty Dozen to American icons, WW2 watches aren’t just impressive feats of watchmaking, but some of the most historically significant pieces of war memorabilia. From battlefield coordination to aerial navigation, these timepieces played a critical role in the war effort, making them fascinating to watch collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
Looking for a vintage model of your own? We have a wide selection of women’s and men’s pre-owned watches to explore here at H&T, from leading timepiece manufacturers including Rolex, TAG Heuer, and Breitling, to name just a few.
And to get answers to more of your burning timepiece questions, check out the rest of our watch blog posts, including our Jaeger-LeCoultre and Rolex behind the brand blogs, as well as our anatomy of a watch guide.
