JLC WW2 6b/159 RAF Issue Wristwatch with Rare MoD Dial Variant c.1943.

Regular price £0.01

Shipping calculated at checkout.
The Watch
 
.
RAF watches from this period were supplied by a number of prestigious watch manufacturers including Omega, Jaeger LeCoultre and Longines. All these watches followed a standard specification which included a white dial with black numerals, centre seconds and blued steel non-luminous hands. These watches are commonly referred to by their RAF stores reference number of 6B/159. This RAF stores reference refers to aircraft navigation equipment.
.
It is believed that Jaeger LeCoultre supplied the RAF with only 4000 Non-Weems Wristwatches.
.
Powering this Pilot is the Legendary 450/1 movement, which was used in the Weems 6B/159 model.
.
This particular example has a very Rare variant of the MoD Dial, it was very common for the MoD repaint Dials during Service and the Variants have become collectible in their own right. This Breguet numeral dial is very seldom seen with only a few others being spotted in the Wild.
.

View this Pilot in a video: here

.

 

The Specs


Age: c.1943
Movement: Manual wind with Non-Hacking Centre Seconds.
Calibre: 450/1
Timekeeping: Very good.
Service History: Full Service, May 2022.
Dial: MoD Repainted Dial.
Case: Chrome.
Measurements: without/with Crown: 32mm/33.8mm End to End: 42.8mm
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original.
Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal.
Crown: Correct Original unsigned Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: NOS Period 16mm Italian Leather Black "Astro" Strap with Steel fixtures.
Lug Width: 16mm Fixed Bars.


Getting Acquainted

.
Bits that stand out:
- Issued to a RAF pilot, can you get any cooler?
- Very hard Dial Variant.
- Blue Steeled Handset.

.
Nitty Gritty:
-Some marks to Case and Caseback.
-Age related discolouration of the Dial. 

.
Overall this JLC Pilot is in nice Vintage condition.
The Dial is in good condition, with some age related discolouration.
Chrome Case is in good nick really for its age and nature.
Caseback markings are very nice, though there are Scratches.
Original Crown.
Crystal in good shape.
Hands are in lovely shape.