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I finally had time and the spares to fix my Tudor project. It is the first watch I have ever done that had major work needed. I would like to thank everyone on this forum for their dedicated posts I scrolled through many to update my knowledge for this one. From using vinigar to desolve the broken stem from the crown to the scary KIF springs that where very intimidating to me as I had never seen these before. This one has been rebuild without even dropping one screw as I took on Nickelsilvers tweezers advice.

I got an Eterna WWW dirty dozen watch, it actually started my watchmaker carrier (if we can call it like that as it is just a hobby), i found it in the dirt as a metal detectorist and a watchmaker, John Senior restored it for me. You can read the story on mwrforum, unfortunately the links to the mwrforum do not work without registration any longer so cant link it here. We also had an issue with the dial, but a different sort, as the watch was in the soil for probably decades we had crystals grown on the dial (a little water and probably chemicals got inside) but fortunately it was saved. Unfortunately i do not hold the knowledge what would help you here. I am very interested as what sort of paint is used for dials and hands. Just in case you decide to register or if u registered already: https://www.mwrforum.net/forums/showthread.php?84492-Freshly-dug-part-deux-Eterna-WWW-found-by-metal-detectorist

The problem with watch cases they all come fitted with a back loosing one is a pest there are no sources I know of just for backs. As you will appreciate there would be thousands of different ones . Once you have the size of the dial and movement there are places for cases complete purcased complete or a trawl on the net, ebay and others for a donor non worker to rob the case off.

Hi @Neverenoughwatches Well that's very kind of you to say but you may be putting me on a pedestal. I only know what I know and wouldn't say I'm an expert on every brand for sure; just some more than others. And whilst writing I realise I should have qualified my reply to @Gattacain saying that normally painting and spraying a dial would not be an automatic go to option especially if dealing with something valuable. However this was not a particularly expensive item (I've tracked it down to https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Old-ETERNA-2894328-Military-Watch-Manual-Winding-/125313393190 @ EUR75 / £64 / $80) so given how quickly the dial seems to be deteriorating there doesn't seem a lot to lose by trying to prevent it getting worse. Back to military watches then and I think this is as good an overview article as any in relation to the style of watch we're looking at in this thread: https://www.acollectedman.com/blogs/journal/dirty-dozen-first-wristwatches-specially-commissioned-for-british-army It talks about the 'dirty dozen' and those 12 manufacturers you mention who were commissioned to make watches for the British Army. However to be truly a military watch it has to have those 'broad arrow' markings and other designations. The watch we're talking about in this thread is therefore not actually one of these. It should be best described as "in the style of a (dirty dozen) military watch" (which Gattaca acknowledges to be fair). I don't personally have the Konrad Knirim book you mention (here's a good overview for anyone following this thread ... http://www.knirim.de/watchsto.pdf) and for sure I am not a military watch expert. I note the book is 636 pages! However for any collecting it sure makes sense to be as clued up as possible to avoid being ripped off or otherwise know what to go for. Maybe have a quick search on this forum site for any previous topics but given your interest I'd certainly consider opening a specific topic on Military Watches for advice or insight from other forum members.

Try here : seiko-casing-parts-guide

The "Seiko Casing Guide" will let you in on the secret. Search google for the words in quotes. I've never worked on one of these so I'm no help on this one.

What a shame. Carefully place a clear plastic bag, something like a ziplock sandwich bag over the dial before attempting to remove the hands. As is the case with all hands removal. Can we see a picture of the case and case back and movement. Eterna were one of the German military watch brands of ww2, there maybe a D or D H book ending the serial number if Germam. Also one of the British the dirty dozen with a broad Arrow and serial numbers if we can have a look if you have them . Thank you. Hi WM. I know you are very knowledgeable with brand history and have helped me in the past. Would you mind if i pick your brains over military watches, i have a keen interest in them. Especially the Dirty Dozen, I'm thinking of attempting a collection of them at some point. There is an extensive book about British milary by konrad knirim. Just wondered if you know of this, its quite an expensive book.

Given you probably want to give the movement a clean and service, and given the existing paint damage around the hands, then I'd remove the hands so you can remove the dial. With black acrylic paint (water based) and a small paint brush you could then try and touch in the worst of the missing paint before using a water based varnish to provide a stabilising and protective layer. I'm talking about a spray can of water based varnish here unless you own an airbrush to do this. And personally I'd opt for a satin finish.

I have just received a message from the seller, he has offered it to me for £3.50. This was my reply. You must be joking. I have better things to do with my money then spend it on that pile of crap.

There is nothing special in cleaning a metal bracelet, be it for a watch or anything else. Drop it in warm water with dish detergent and scrub it with a plastic brush. Some people buys ultrasonic tanks for this, but the end result is exactly the same.

I usually look on the Documents Downloads in Cousins : https://www.cousinsuk.com/document or here : https://watchguy.co.uk/cgi-bin/files but there aren't and 29* or 33* movements listed. The Swiss part number for the setting lever spring+bridge is 445 You can find them listed on ebay for the above movements.