The "Dirty Dozen" refers to a collection of twelve military wristwatches commissioned by the British Ministry of Defence during World War II. These watches were produced by twelve different Swiss manufacturers: Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lemania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor, and Vertex. Each watch was designed to meet specific military specifications, including durability, accuracy, and reliability, to withstand the rigors of wartime conditions. The watches featured black dials, luminous hands, and Arabic numerals for easy readability, along with a robust case construction to protect against shocks and water ingress. Today, the Dirty Dozen watches are highly sought after by collectors due to their historical significance and the prestige of the brands involved. They represent a unique collaboration in the watchmaking industry, where multiple companies came together to fulfill a critical wartime need. The rarity and historical context of these watches contribute to their desirability and value in the vintage watch market.