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. These Watches were supplied by several prestigious watch manufacturers including Omega, Jaeger LeCoultre and Longines.
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This particular Longines, is a rare bird indeed. In 1943 with the War still raging on, the War Department changed the specification for these Wristwatches from Steel Cases to a cheaper alternative in chrome plated Duralim mid cases. This example is all steel and is very seldom seen.
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Age: c.1943.
Reference: 6b/159
Movement: Manual wind with Centre Seconds.
Calibre: 12.68N
Timekeeping: Good, well within the reasonable expectations.
Service History: Unknown.
Dial: Original Longines Dial.
Dial: Original Longines Dial.
Case: All Stainless Steel.
Measurements: without/with Crown: 32mm/35mm End to End: 43mm
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original.
Crystal: Possibly Original, Certainly Correct.
Crystal: Possibly Original, Certainly Correct.
Crown: Unsigned Crown. Replacement.
Strap/Bracelet: New 18mm Blue Military Style strap with Steel fixtures.
Lug Width: 17mm
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Issued to an RAF Pilot!
- Rare all Steel Case.
- In my opinion, the nicest crown of all WW2 Watches.
-Crisp Military markings to the back.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Very Minor scratches to the case.
- Some Discolouration to the Dial.
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Overall the Longines is in very nice condition. It seems fairly untouched from when it was issued in 1943.
The Dial is in good condition, there is a stain on the 11 and 12 markers and is discoloured. Still a nice example however.
Case is in nice nick.
Caseback markings are nice.
Beautiful Original Crown.
Acrylic Crystal seems correct, possibly original and is in good nick.
Original Hands are in lovely shape.
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Photographed on a 7in Wrist.