Omega 6B/159 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 a number of prestigious watch manufacturers including Longines, Jaeger Le-Coultre and Omega. These watches 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 of 6B/159. This RAF stores reference refers to aircraft navigation equipment.
The beautiful Omega 6B/159 watch for sale was produced in 1942 at the heart of WW2. Its mid-case is made of stainless steel which makes it rarer and more desirable to that of other more commonly found examples which are made of alloy.
The watch for sale is of further interest due to it purportedly being the former property of the late Squadron Leader V.C.Royals (134188) who served as an RAF pilot in Egypt, Malta, the Middle East, North Africa and Sicily.
Accompanied with the watch is a copy of part of a letter written by V.C. Royals to his mother in April 1943, during his time stationed at RAF Hal-Far, Malta, as a pilot officer. In it he writes, “I have now flown a new type of aircraft – a Hurricane. I like them very much indeed and I like my job here very much, far better than the other one in the Middle East.”
Squadron Leader Royals is believed to have flown many different types of aircraft during his wartime career, including both the Spitfire and Hurricane as well as light to medium bombers, such as the Beaufort and Beaufighter. He resigned his commission in 1953.
The wonderful Omega 6B/159 for sale represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a superb piece of British WW2 aviation history.
