Cyma W.W.W. Dirty Dozen

During World War II, the British military issued wristwatches to their soldiers under the "W.W.W." (Watch, Wrist, Waterproof) specification. These watches were meant to meet specific standards and withstand the demands of military service.

Cyma was one of several Swiss watch companies commissioned to produce watches that adhered to the W.W.W. specifications. These watches were used by British soldiers and other Allied forces during the war.

Cyma produced W.W.W. watches from around 1943 to 1945. The watches featured distinctive characteristics that set them apart as military timepieces. Some notable features of Cyma W.W.W. watches include:

1. Case Design: Cyma W.W.W. watches typically had stainless steel cases, measuring around 35-38mm in diameter. The cases were designed to be rugged and water-resistant, suitable for military use.

2. Dial Design: The dials of Cyma W.W.W. watches were often black with luminous Arabic numerals and hands. The large, legible numerals and luminous markers ensured readability in low-light conditions.

3. Movements: Cyma W.W.W. watches were equipped with reliable and accurate manual-winding movements. The movements used by Cyma included variants of the caliber 234.

Collectors have dubbed "Dirty Dozen" a term used to refer to a group of 12 different wristwatches that were commissioned for the British military during World War II. These watches were produced by 12 different Swiss watch companies and were specifically designed to meet the British military's strict specifications. Here's a brief history of the Dirty Dozen military watches:

Background: During World War II, the British military required reliable and accurate wristwatches for their soldiers. To ensure standardization and quality, the British Ministry of Defense issued a set of specifications for wristwatches to be used by the armed forces.

The Dirty Dozen: The 12 companies that were contracted to produce the wristwatches under these specifications became known as the Dirty Dozen. The companies and their respective watches are as follows: Buren, Cyma, Eterna,Grana, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lemania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor and Vertex. 

Today, Cyma W.W.W. watches from World War II are highly sought after by collectors and watch enthusiasts due to their historical significance and classic military design. Owning a Cyma W.W.W. watch serves as a reminder of the brand's contribution to the wartime efforts and the enduring legacy of military timepieces.