Spiro Agnew Original | Dirty Time Company | Swiss Manual Wind | Political Satire
Few watches can claim to be a genuine artifact of political dissent. The Dirty Time Company’s
Spiro Agnew Original was conceived by Hale E. Dougherty in response to a joke that circulated
college campuses circa 1969–1973: “Did you know Mickey Mouse wears a Spiro Agnew watch?” The
quip became a product. The Swiss-made manual wind movement was fitted beneath a vivid
caricature dial — Agnew rendered in full Uncle Sam regalia, boxing gloves raised, doing a
two-fingered salute. Blue stars stand in for hour markers. “Dirty Time Company” is printed at
3 o’clock with the authority of a press credential. “Swiss Made” anchors the 6. The result is
equal parts pop art, protest ephemera, and functional timepiece — and this one still runs.
Specifications
- Reference: Spiro Agnew Original (Dirty Time Company / DTC)
- Movement: Swiss manual wind, 1 jewel — attributed to Wotania Ltd.
- Case: Gold-tone base metal, round, approx. 34 mm diameter
- Dial: White with full-color Spiro Agnew caricature; blue Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, 9; blue star hour markers; “Spiro Agnew Original” and “Dirty Time Company” text
- Bezel: Smooth gold-tone
- Bracelet/Strap: Navy / white / red NATO-style nylon (replacement, not original)
- Crystal: Acrylic, domed
- Water Resistance: None — do not expose to moisture
- Origin: Switzerland
- Era: Circa 1969–1973
Condition
Working — winds and runs. Dial is clean and bright with no chips, cracks, or fading.
Caricature printing is vivid and fully intact. Acrylic crystal shows minor surface scuffs
consistent with age but no deep gouges or crazing. Case displays gold-tone wear at the lugs
with visible verdigris (base metal oxidation) — expected for a 50-year-old gold-plated piece
and does not affect function. Strap is a modern navy/white/red NATO nylon; original band
is not present. Overall: good vintage condition for display and light wear.
Wrist Fit
Current NATO strap fits approximately 6″ to 7.5″ (150 mm – 190 mm) wrist circumference.
Standard 18 mm strap width; easily replaced if a different length or style is preferred.
Includes
Watch only.
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