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 Omega 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. The A.M initials are an abbreviation of ‘Air Ministry’.
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These Watches are of fantastic quality and so highly thought of by the War Office that following the conclusion of the War they continued to use these Watches and in 1956 upgraded the Case to a larger steel one to prolong the life of these WW2 Timepieces such is a testament to the quality.
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Omega 6B's with AM markings are fairly seldom seen, with the more common ones being marked with an "A" number and 2292 inside the caseback.
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Age: c.1943
Movement: Manual wind with Non-Hacking Centre Seconds.
Calibre: 30t2 SC.
Timekeeping: Very good.
Service History: Full Service, April 2023.
Dial: Original Omega Military Specification Dial.
Dial: Original Omega Military Specification Dial.
Case: Chrome Plated Alloy with Stainless Steel Snap Back.
Measurements: without/with Crown: 33mm/34.4mm End to End: 42.7mm
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original.
Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal.
Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal.
Crown: Correct Original unsigned Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: On a period Light Brown Leather Strap, which compliments the Watch incredibly well.
Lug Width: 18mm.
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Issued to a RAF pilot, can you get any cooler?
- Blue Steeled Handset.
-Unusual Air Ministry Markings.
-Correct Fixed Lug bars.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Some marks to Case.
-Small age related markings to the dial.
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Overall this Omega 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.
Caseback markings are nice.
Original Crown.
Crystal in good shape.
Hands are in lovely shape.
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Photographed on a 7in Wrist.