Ebel 6B/234 RAF Pilots Wristwatch c.1942
These beautiful wristwatches were issued to RAF navigators and pilots during the Second World War.
RAF watches from this period were supplied by several prestigious watch manufacturers including Longines, Jaeger Le-Coultre and Omega. These watches predominantly followed a standard specification, which included a white dial with black Arabic numerals, centre seconds and blued steel non-luminous hands. These watches are commonly referred to by their RAF stores reference number 6B/159. This RAF stores reference refers to aircraft navigation equipment.
The wonderful Ebel 6B/234 watch for sale was produced in 1942 at the heart of WW2.
Interestingly, the Ebel for sale was originally issued with the store’s reference of 6B/159, indicating that it was flight equipment issued for the use of navigators and pilots only. However, the watch was later re-issued with the reference 6B/234, meaning it was downgraded for general service by airborne and ground crew.
The former owner of the watch believes that his father purchased it from an army surplus store in Glasgow in the early 1960s and it is affectionately scored with their initials on the reverse of the case back.
The Ebel is considered to be one of the rarest of all the 6B’s issued to British pilots and navigators during WW2 and very seldom become available for sale, particularly in such lovely original condition. The watch for sale, therefore, represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a wonderful piece of WW2 British horological history.
