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. Originally this piece would have had 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 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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This Particular example dates to 1943 by using the serial number, whilst originally this chap would have had RAF markings to the case back, these have been removed and replaced with a crudely engraved inscription for what seems to be a Royal Navy Sailor of some sort. It was not unusual for these Omegas to be reused after WW2 as lots of surplus pieces started to come up for sale at retailers such as Bravingtons with the case markings removed.
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Purely speculation but it's possible "A.Wilkins" bought this piece at some stage after WW2 and used it as his Watch whilst serving in the Navy. It has certainly aged like it has been at Sea for periods, with a lovely patina through the Dial and Chrome plating to the Case has all but gone.
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Age: c.1943
Movement: Manual wind with Non-Hacking Centre Seconds.
Calibre: 30t2 SC.
Timekeeping: Good.
Service History: Full Service by John Senior April 2024.
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: Incorrect Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: On a New Blue NATO Style Strap with Steel Fixtures.
Lug Width: 18mm.
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Unusual Inscription to the Case Back.
- Blue Steeled Handset.
-Strong Lugs, very usually snapped on these.
-Correct Fixed Lug bars.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Chrome Plating all but gone.
-Age Related Discolouration throughout the Dial.
-Incorrect Crown.
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Overall this Omega is in fair Vintage condition.
The Dial has patina throughout.
Alloy Case is in good nick really for its age and nature, Especially the lugs. The chrome plating is non-existent.
Incorrect Crown.
Crystal in good shape.
Hands are in good shape.
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Photographed on a 7in Wrist.