The Watch
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You'd be forgiven for mistaking this Watch for the much more commonly seen Omega 6B/159 RAF Issue, they were after all produced to the same standard specification as the RAF 6B/159 wristwatches, which included a white dial with black arabic numerals, centre seconds and blued steel non-luminous hands. The only real difference between the two are the shortened lugs, lack of fixed bars on the HS8 and of course, the caseback markings.
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The Interesting thing about this example is that it seems to be issued to a Air Ministry Pilot (RAF), the markings have then been scratched out and then marked with HS.8, this is the most uncommon collection of markings I have ever seen on one of these.
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H.S.8 which translates as Hydrographic Survey and the number “8” refers to a Wristwatch.
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Issued to a Royal Navy Pilot in 1943 probably flying off aircraft carriers.
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Only a few thousand of these Watches were issued to Royal Navy Pilots, making them seldom seen and examples in this sort of nick even more so.
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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, June 2023.
Dial: Original Omega Military Specification Dial.
Dial: Original Omega Military Specification Dial.
Case: Chrome Plated Brass with Shorter Lugs.
Measurements: without/with Crown: 33mm/34.6mm End to End: 39.2mm
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original.
Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal.
Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal.
Crown: Correct Original unsigned Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: New Green NATO Strap with Steel fixtures.
Lug Width: 18mm.
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Issued to a Royal Navy pilot, can you get any cooler?
- 1 of only a few thousand.
- Blue Steeled Handset.
-Dial is in good age related order.
-Correct Shortened lugs and spring bars.
- Rare collection of Caseback markings.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Some marks to Case.
-Age related discolouration to the Dial.
- The lugs have been shortened by the Ministry of War and have been worn over the years with two small splits to two of the lugs, it has been made safe by the Watchmaker.
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Overall this Omega 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. Two small splits to two of the lugs. Tested and fully safe though.
Caseback markings are nice, though a little wear.
Original Crown.
Crystal in good shape.
Hands are in lovely shape.