The Watch
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This is a Royal Air Force Pilot’s watch which dates from the Second World War. The Watch was ordered by the RAF for Pilots and Navigators.
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In 1956 the RAF underwent a program of rationalising their stores - they produced a new, stainless steel case for all their remaining stock of WW2 Watches, Namely Omega, Longines and Jaeger LeCoultre. This new case replaced the low-cost alloy cases which the watches were ordered with and allowed the RAF to keep using the high quality movements. The larger Steel case was ordered in from famous British Manufacturer Dennison, the Dials were often quite crudely changed from white to black and the Hands covered in luminous material.
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The Specs
Age: c.1943. (Re-cased 1956).
Reference: 6b/159
Movement: Manual wind with Centre Seconds.
Calibre: 12.68N
Timekeeping: Very Good.
Service History: Fully Serviced by John Senior, July 2025.
Dial: Original Longines Dial that has been repainted by the MoD.
Dial: Original Longines Dial that has been repainted by the MoD.
Case: All Stainless Steel with Screw Caseback.
Measurements: without/with Crown: 36mm/38.6mm End to End: 46.8mm
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original.
Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal.
Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal.
Crown: Original Unsigned Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: New 16mm Khaki NATO Style strap with Steel fixtures.
Lug Width: 17mm
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Issued to an RAF Pilot!
- Larger 36mm Dennison Steel Case.
- WW2 Surplus.
-In excellent condition.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Very Minor scratches to the case.
-Caseback is a little worn.
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Overall the Longines is in excellent condition.
The Dial is in beautiful order.
Case is in nice nick.
Caseback markings are a little worn.
Original Crown.
Acrylic Crystal seems correct it is in good order.
Hands are in very good shape.
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Photographed on a 7in Wrist.