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

Product Details

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.

• Delivery

  • Shipping Information

    Europe, UK, and Rest of World

    Tracked Mail:

    • Europe: €11.75 / £9.99 / US$12.95
    • UK: £7.95 / €9.50 / US$10.50
    • Rest of World: US$22.75 / €20.50 / £17.50

    Express Courier (UPS or FedEx):

    • Europe: €23.50 / £19.99 / US$25.95
    • UK (UPS/DPD):  £12.95 / €15.25 / US$16.95
    • Rest of World: US$45.50 / €41.25 / £34.95

    Note: The exact shipping cost may vary slightly depending on the weight and dimensions, but it will only differ by a small amount and will be shown at checkout. The above rates cover approximately 85% of parcels.

    Order and Shipment Confirmation

    You will generally receive two emails after placing an order:

    1. Confirmation of receipt of the order and payment.
    2. Notification of shipment once the goods are dispatched.

    Processing Time: Orders are shipped by the Post Office or Courier within 48 hours of payment processing. Note that our shipping centers are closed on Saturdays and Sundays; therefore, orders placed during this time may take up to 72 hours to be dispatched. This includes orders placed after 14:00 (CET) on Fridays.

    Estimated Delivery Times (in working days):

    • Europe:
      • UPS: 2 to 5 days
      • Registered Mail: 7 to 14 days
    • UK:
      • DPD or UPS: 24 hours
      • Tracked Mail: 1 to 2 days
    • Rest of World:
      • UPS: 3 to 10 days
      • Registered Mail: 7 to 21 days*

    *Some countries are notoriously slow to process goods on arrival, including Israel, Hong Kong, Macau, Mexico, South Africa, and some South American countries. Significant delays can also occur in other countries in Africa. For time-sensitive deliveries, we recommend using UPS, DHL, or FedEx.

    All shipping estimates exclude Saturdays and Sundays.

    While we strive to deliver within the above timeframes, they are guides, and delivery cannot be guaranteed. We are not responsible for delays caused by couriers or any national postal service. If your goods are not delivered within the estimated time, please contact us at admin@mwc.watch, and we will do our best to resolve the issue promptly. We are not liable for any loss caused by late delivery.

    Our delivery charges cover the cost of shipping to you but do not include import charges and administration fees to clear the goods when entering your country if applicable.

    It is the purchaser's responsibility to understand that charges may be levied and to pay all subsequent import taxes and duties on goods shipped to their country. If items are returned to MWC due to rejected payment, subsequent charges incurred (such as import duty and processing costs) will be deducted from any refund issued. For more information, please contact accounts@mwc-distribution.com

    If you need to clarify any details regarding local taxes for your location, please contact us before placing an order. For clarification, goods shipped to the EU can be dispatched from our EU location if ordered at https://mwc.eu/, and we also have a dedicated UK shipping center at https://mwcwatches.co.uk/. In the United States, orders under $800 do not incur taxes or fees. In Australia, orders up to AU$1000 are tax-free. Many other countries have similar regulations, which you can verify using this helpful link: Zonos De Minimis Values and also this link to calculate taxes for shipments to most countries worldwide https://www.simplyduty.com/import-calculator/

    We do not accept liability for goods lost after delivery to a PO Box. We reserve the right to cancel orders where the delivery address is a PO Box. Similarly, we do not accept liability for goods lost after confirmed delivery to APO or BFPO locations.

    Customer Notification: It is the customer's responsibility to notify us if goods are not received within 21 days of the estimated delivery date. If no notification is made within this period, the buyer is deemed to have received the goods.

    Safe Place Deliveries

    Some delivery companies allow for delivery without a signature, leaving the item in a "safe place" (e.g., shed, garage, porch). If you choose this option, it is at your own risk. We initially send items by a secure service requiring a signature or proof of delivery. Using a "safe place" increases the risk of theft. We advise ensuring deliveries require a signature to ensure safe receipt.

    Failed Deliveries

    If an item is refused and returned to us, we will refund the order less the outbound and inbound shipping charges once the item is received back at our packing and shipping center. For business locations, please notify the receiving personnel of the expected delivery to avoid refusals. Usually, we will be notified of delivery issues and will email you for instructions. It is important to act quickly to avoid return and associated costs.

    For any questions or further assistance, please contact us at admin@mwc.watch.