Very Rare Longines 6B/159 RAF Pilots Wristwatch c.1956
In 1956, a large number of surplus 6B/159 pilot watches originating from WW2 were modified and re-issued to the RAF by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
The wonderful movements, and in some cases, the dial and hands from the cheaper wartime alloy cased watches were re-housed in larger stainless-steel, screwback, waterproof cases. These cases were supplied by the famous British case maker, Dennison.
Although a large majority of these watches were issued with black dials and luminous hour markers and hands, some were issued with white dials and blued steel hands.
Interestingly, these watches were the last to be issued to the RAF with the 6B/159 designation.
The Longines ’56 for sale, with its interesting MoD replacement dial, is generally considered to be a rarer find than its more commonly found Omega counterpart.
The watch comes from the family of the original owner and is in “drawer find” condition, having been stored away for the last forty years.
The Longines ’56 for sale, therefore, is a true collector’s piece and is sure to be of interest to any military watch collector or enthusiast.
