The ‘Dirty Dozen’ watches, marked W.W.W. for "Watch Wristlet Waterproof," were crafted to rigorous British Ministry of Defense standards in 1945, featuring a black dial, Arabic numerals, radium-lit hands, a 15-jewel movement, and waterproof capabilities. Twelve companies, including Buren, Cyma, Omega, and Longines, produced these iconic timepieces.
The Longines Reference 23088, was dubbed the ‘Greenlander’ by collectors due to its association with the 1952-54 British North Greenland Expedition, that ended up not being true.
Nonetheless, the name stuck and although not part of that particular expedition, Longines watches were used during wartime and in extreme conditions !
This is a lovely condition Longines manual wind watch issued to the “KNIL” - Koninklijk Nederlands Indisch Leger', or in English the Royal Dutch East Indies Army. This example has a lovely 38 mm case with a step and on the screw down case back there is the KNIL markings, issue number, the WWW marking and the serial and reference numbers.
The black dial has radium lume on a rail track, Arabic numerals and a small seconds at 6. The watch is fitted with its original cathedral hands and the case has fixed bars. The watch will come on the pictured Single Pass strap and has been fully serviced by our watchmaker.
Military watches have such significant history and we love finding cool ones for all you watch lovers. Please reach out to talk about this special watch !
Specifications:
- Longines "Greenlander" Ref 23088
- Issued to the KNIL
- 38mm steel case with fixed bars
- Case back with military engraving
- Black radium Arabic hours dial
- Longines calibre 12.68Z manual wind movement
- Comes on the pictured Single Pass strap
- Fully serviced by our watchmaker
- One-year mechanical warranty
- Includes a handmade leather watch pouch
- Free worldwide Fedex Priority shipping
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