British Military RAF Issued 6B/159 Navigation Watch
Pilot / Military Field Watch · Issued by various wartime contractors for the UK Ministry of Defence, including Omega, Longines, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Zenith
Period: Tool Watch Era (1940s World War II Period)
Type
Pilot / Military Field Watch
Brand
Issued by various wartime contractors for the UK Ministry of Defence, including Omega, Longines, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and Zenith
Movement
Manual-wind mechanical movement, typically a 15-jewel Swiss calibre
Dimensions
Case diameter approximately 32-34mm, thickness 10mm, lug-to-lug 38mm, fixed lug width 18mm
Description
This classic military timekeeper bears the iconic broad arrow and 6B/159 designation, marking it as an official navigational watch issued to Royal Air Force pilots and navigators during the Second World War. Built strictly to military specifications, it prioritizes legibility, reliability, and precision under demanding operational conditions. The fixed bar lugs are a hallmark of authentic military watches, ensuring the watch would not be lost if a spring bar failed during flight operations.
Key Features
Prominent Broad Arrow (Pheon) military property mark, 6B/159 RAF navigational equipment code, fixed wire lug bars for secure pass-through straps, and high-contrast dial layout.
Dial Description
Matte white or silvered dial with black Arabic numerals, minute railway track, and heat-blued steel hands
Case Material
Stainless steel or chrome-plated base metal with fixed lug bars
Crystal Type
Domed acrylic or plexiglass crystal
Bezel Details
Fixed smooth bezel, typical of mid-century military timepieces
Crown & Pushers
Standard push-pull onion or fluted crown without crown guards
Bracelet or Strap
Designed for a NATO or one-piece canvas/leather pass-through strap utilizing fixed wire lug bars
Caseback Details
Solid screw-down or snap-on case back heavily engraved with the British Broad Arrow (Pheon) and military specification code 6B/159
Movement Type
Manual-wind mechanical movement, typically a 15-jewel Swiss calibre
Water Resistance
None. These historical military watches were not water-resistant by modern standards and should be kept completely away from water and humidity.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss movements housed in military-spec casings supplied to the British Royal Air Force during WWII
Age Estimate
Circa 1940s (World War II era)
Cultural Significance
A quintessential piece of military horology that represents the vital role of timekeeping in aviation history and Allied military operations during World War II.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good vintage condition. Case back shows noticeable surface scratches from military deployment and service history. Fixed lugs are intact.
Value Estimate
Estimated between $1,000 to $3,000 USD depending on the specific manufacturer (e.g., Omega or Longines command a premium), historical provenance, and overall dial condition.
Care & Maintenance
Requires gentle handling, avoidance of all moisture due to lack of modern gaskets, and periodic manual servicing by a vintage watch specialist every 3 to 5 years.
Similar Watches
IWC Mark XI, Omega 30T2 RAF issue, Timor, Eterna, and Lemania military field watches.
Interesting Facts
The 6B/159 designation was specifically assigned by the British Air Ministry for wristwatches intended for aircrew navigation. Several prestigious Swiss brands manufactured watches under this exact specification.