Timor
La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland · Est. 1923
Timor was a Swiss watch brand and one of the Dirty Dozen manufacturers producing W.W.W. watches for the British military in WWII. Post-war production continued with civilian models, but the brand faded during the quartz crisis.
- Founded
- 1923
- Headquarters
- La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Entry
- Status
- Defunct
Ceased: 1978
Timor, another Dirty Dozen maker, could not transition successfully from military contracts to consumer markets and was swept away by the quartz crisis.
Built for the battlefield, lost in the marketplace — Timor's story mirrors the fate of military watchmaking itself.
Brand story
- Rise
- Timor rose from La Chaux-de-Fonds into wartime significance when it became one of the Dirty Dozen suppliers of W.W.W. watches for the British military during World War II.
- What they made
- Its most important watches were military W.W.W. pieces with broad-arrow markings, black dials, and robust Swiss movements, followed by civilian automatic and sport watches after the war.
- Why they disappeared
- After military demand faded, Timor struggled to turn its service-watch credibility into a durable civilian business and was ultimately swept away by the quartz crisis in 1978.
- Collector interest today
- Original Timor W.W.W. watches are the main prize for collectors because of the Dirty Dozen connection; civilian Timor pieces are more accessible but still benefit from the military-watch story.
Key Collections
- W.W.W. (Wrist Watch Waterproof) — Timor's contribution to the Dirty Dozen, these military-specification watches were produced for the British Ministry of Defence during the Second World War, featuring black dials, luminous hands and indices, and the characteristic broad arrow marking.
- Timor Automatic — Post-war civilian automatic watches that brought Swiss reliability to everyday wear, representing the brand's attempt to transition from military contracts to the consumer market.
- Timor Sport — Robust sports watches produced in the 1950s and 1960s, featuring water resistance and luminous dials suited for active use.
Timeline
- 1923 — Timor established in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, joining the cluster of watch manufacturers in the renowned horological region.
- 1944 — Selected as one of twelve Swiss manufacturers to produce W.W.W. watches for the British military, becoming part of the legendary Dirty Dozen.
- 1945 — With the war's conclusion, Timor began transitioning production toward civilian timepieces whilst maintaining its reputation for robust military-grade construction.
- 1960 — Continued production of mechanical watches throughout the decade, though facing increasing pressure from larger Swiss conglomerates.
- 1978 — Timor ceased operations, unable to survive the devastating impact of the quartz crisis that swept through the Swiss watch industry.
Frequently Asked Questions about Timor
- When did Timor stop making watches?
- Timor ceased production in 1978, becoming one of many casualties of the quartz crisis. The brand struggled to compete with cheaper, more accurate quartz movements from Japan and could not sustain its traditional mechanical watchmaking business.
- Are Timor watches still valuable?
- Timor W.W.W. military watches from the Dirty Dozen era command significant collector interest, with original examples in good condition fetching substantial prices at auction. Their historical significance as part of this select group of military suppliers ensures continued demand amongst militaria and vintage watch collectors.
- Can I still buy a Timor watch today?
- New Timor watches are not available as the brand has not been revived. However, vintage examples, particularly the W.W.W. military pieces, appear regularly at specialist watch dealers, auction houses, and through private collectors.
- What makes the Dirty Dozen watches special?
- The Dirty Dozen refers to twelve Swiss manufacturers contracted to produce watches meeting stringent British military specifications during WWII. These timepieces share common design elements including black dials, luminous markers, broad arrow engravings, and robust water-resistant cases, making them highly collectible military artefacts.
- How can I identify an authentic Timor W.W.W. watch?
- Genuine Timor W.W.W. watches feature the broad arrow military marking on the caseback, along with military issue numbers. The dial displays 'TIMOR' branding with the W.W.W. designation, and movements typically used quality Swiss calibres meeting military reliability standards.