Longines “Weems” RAF Mk VIIA Wristwatch c.1940

Longines “Weems” RAF Mk VIIA Wristwatch c.1940

SOLD

Stock Number: W0413 Category:

Longines “Weems” RAF Mk VIIA Wristwatch c.1940.

The “Weems” Mk VIIA wristwatch was issued to pilots and navigators of the RAF during WW2 and features a moveable outer bezel which is set to the second hand to calculate longitude to aid navigation. The watch takes its name from Lt.Cdr P.V. Weems who was a well-known aviator, navigator and instructor at the Naval Officer School at Annapolis, Maryland, in the U.S.A.

The “Weems” 6B/159 with specification Mk. VIIA needed to meet the following requirements of Building Specification G.535 :

The movement needed to be wound by the crown instead of using a separate key. The movement should run for a minimum of 36 hours (fully wound).  The hands should be made of blued steel and the case should have a rotating lunette. The case could be made from steel, chrome or hardened brass. The dial needed to be light silver or white (like enamel). The deviation needed to meet the following requirements: after three hours +/- 3 seconds, after six hours +/- 5 seconds, after twelve hours +/- 8 seconds and after 24 hours +/- 15 seconds.

There were five manufacturers of these very special timepieces; Longines, Omega, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Zenith and Movado. It is believed only around 7,000 were issued to the RAF in 1940 at the outbreak of hostilities and many will have no doubt seen action during the early dark days of the Battle of Britain and beyond.

The Longines “Weems” for sale is a truly exceptional example of its kind and represents a truly unique opportunity to acquire a superb piece of British military aviation history.

 

The Longines “Weems” watch for sale is in excellent overall condition having been recently serviced by our highly skilled and experienced horologist.
The dial is in lovely overall condition with some minor scratches in places.
The beautiful blue steel hands, winding crown and locking crown are all correct to the original specification of the watch.
As expected, there are several scratches and marks on the outer casing of the watch, which are commensurate with age.
The 12.68N calibre movement is currently running well and keeping good time.
The watch comes complete with a free six-month warranty, two new NATO straps and a bespoke presentation watch box.

Diameter: 34mm (exc crown)