At the beginning of the 1970s, the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) revised the Defence Standard (DEF-STAN) that defined the specification of military pilots’ wristwatches.
The changes outlined in DEF-STAN 66-4 (Part 2) in April 1970 allowed the use of a more economically viable and mass-produced double-pusher chronograph movement, this being the Valjoux 7733.
For the next 12 years, from 1970 onwards, four watch manufacturers produced these new pilots’ watches. All were identical in their basic design and construction, with the same asymmetric case and robust Valjoux chronograph movement.
Hamilton was the first supplier of these watches, which began being issued to the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy in 1970. CWC followed in 1973 and was eventually joined by Newmark in 1980 and Precista in 1981.
Today, these watches are extremely popular and are affectionately known by collectors and enthusiasts as the “Fab Four”.
At first glance, the featured Hamilton Chronograph c.1975 is a fairly typical example of its kind. This is except for its sterile MoD dial, which is somewhat rarer than the more commonly found Hamilton-signed variant.
However, this particular Hamilton has special significance as it is the former property of RAF Warrant Officer Charles Michael Yarwood A.F.M., M.E.D.S. (1948964).
Charles Yarwood, known as Mike to his friends and family, had a long and extremely distinguished military career. His operational experience as a member of the British Airborne Forces and RAF Search and Rescue (SAR) Paramedic/Winchman spanned over 25 years.
Born in the village of Wincham, Cheshire, on 7th March 1947, Mike joined the Air Training Corps (ATC) at the age of 12. After joining the RAF as a teenager, he became a fully qualified Aircraftman in 1965.
After serving abroad in Singapore and Cyprus, Mike joined 22 Squadron at RAF Coltishall, Norfolk, as a Winchman on SAR duties.
On 27th March 1980, Mike was a member of 202 Squadron based at RAF Boulmer in Northumberland and was among the first emergency responders dispatched to the famous Alexander Kielland disaster.
The capsizing of the Norwegian oil rig cost the lives of 123 people, and it is believed that many more lives would have been lost if it were not for the heroic efforts of Mike, aided by his RAF colleagues. Mike and his crew are credited with saving 36 lives during the rescue operation.
Mike’s actions on that fateful day in 1980 earned him the Air Force Medal for gallantry. He was also awarded the Medal for Noble Deeds (Medaljen for edel dåd) by the Norwegian government in 1983.
The Air Force Medal is a rare award granted to non-commissioned officers and other ranks, and fewer than 1,000 recipients have received it since its inception in 1918.
Mike’s Air Force Medal was announced in the London Gazette on Tuesday, 20th May 1980, and his citation reads as follows:
Understandably, Mike’s exploits during the Alexander Kielland disaster made headlines around the world, so much so that he was immortalised in a special edition of the popular TV programme, “This is Your Life”, hosted by the late great Eamon Andrews.
Many of the survivors whom Mike had rescued over the years, together with his namesake, the famous impressionist Mike Yarwood, appeared on the programme to honour his bravery and achievements. The Prime Minister of Norway, Odvar Nordli, also paid tribute to Mike on behalf of the people of Norway in recognition of his efforts during the Alexander Kielland disaster.
A Memorial Book commemorating the Alexander Kielland disaster, published by the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, can be viewed here: https://kielland.industriminne.no/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2025/01/Alexander-Kielland-English-med-siste-bildet-1.pdf
Several years later, in 1988, Mike’s remarkable courage and devotion to duty were in the spotlight again when he and his RAF Sea King helicopter crew were called upon to rescue victims of the famous Piper Alpha disaster. The explosion on the North Sea oil rig is considered to be the world’s worst disaster at sea, and tragically claimed the lives of 167 men.
The TV series, Rescue, filmed in the late 1980s, follows the work of 202 Squadron, including their participation during the Piper Alpha tragedy. A link to this fascinating series can be found here:
As an urban, jungle, arctic and desert survival instructor, Mike was often away from home on active duty for long periods, and it is thought that much of his work was of a secretive nature. He is believed to have served in approximately 60 individual theatres of war during his time in the forces. This included Northern Ireland and the Falklands conflict in 1982.
After 27 years of service, Mike was forced to retire from the RAF on medical grounds because of injuries sustained during active service. Interestingly, Mike later went on to design and develop first aid equipment for the military and civilian market. Remarkably, Mike’s work is believed to have extended to the USA and NASA, who invited him to help evaluate some new specialist safety equipment. Apparently, this resulted in Mike being granted the honorary US rank of Colonel.
The Hamilton Chronograph for sale is a fine standalone piece, but it is the man behind the watch that makes it such a special offering.
Warrant Officer Yarwood’s extraordinary military service and heroism ensure that, in the case of his watch, the “H” in Hamilton undoubtedly stands for hero.
Mike’s Hamilton will shortly be listed for sale and is to be accompanied by a letter of provenance, together with one of his RAF dog tags. The watch also comes fitted to its original NATO strap, together with another spare original NATO strap.
Thank you for your interest.