The Watch
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During the Second World War, the Air Ministry ordered watches from a number of different manufacturers. This wristwatch is an example of one of the watches ordered from Cyma for use by pilots/navigators in the Royal Air Force. The military coding to the case back, ‘6B/159’, specifically relates to this use and is followed beneath by its issue number.
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These Cyma 6B Watches may be small and mighty by today's monstrous standards but they are very rare with around 2000 of these issued in WW2, due to the rarity they are very seldom seen on the market and when they do come to the surface, almost all of them will have major condition issues, so finding a good one like we have here is quite the task.
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The Specs
Age: c.1942
Movement: Manual wind with Non-Hacking Centre Seconds.
Calibre: 377.
Movement: Manual wind with Non-Hacking Centre Seconds.
Calibre: 377.
Timekeeping: Good.
Service History: Full Service by John Senior November 2025.
Dial: Original Cyma Military Specification Dial.
Dial: Original Cyma Military Specification Dial.
Case: Chrome Plated Alloy with Stainless Steel Snap Back.
Measurements: without/with Crown: 30.7mm/32.4mm End to End: 35.5mm
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original Breguet Hour and Minute Hands with Original Red Centre Seconds.
Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal.
Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal.
Crown: Correct unsigned Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: On an original 16mm Bonklip Steel Strap.
Lug Width: 16mm. Fixed Lug Bars. Original.
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Issued to a RAF pilot, can you get any cooler?
- Beautiful Breguet Handset.
-Strong Overall Condition.
- Rare Find.
- Period Original Bonklip Strap.
-Correct Fixed Lug bars.
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Nitty Gritty:
Nitty Gritty:
-Some Chrome Loss to Case.
-Small age related markings to the dial.
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Overall this Cyma Pilot is in nice Vintage condition.
The Dial is in good condition, with some age related markings.
Chrome Case is in good nick really for its age and nature, Especially the lugs.
Caseback markings are excellent.
Correct unsigned Crown.
Crystal in good shape.
Hands are in lovely shape.
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Photographed on a 7in Wrist.