WW2 RAF Issue Longines Watch, c.1943

A good and original WW2 Longines wristwatch issued to pilots and navigators of the Royal Air Force.

According to Longines' records, this watch was supplied in 1943 to their British agency within the jewellery trade, however, these "Economy" watches were never made for commercial sale. Instead, these watches were given over to the Air Ministry who, if time allowed, marked them with flying equipment 6B/159 codes but in many instances, the watches were issued before any engraving could take place; nevertheless, these distinctive Economy watches could only have been RAF issue.

Presented in good original condition, this watch is running very well. It keeps time and all functions operate smoothly, although it does show typical signs of service wear. Typically the dial shows signs of having been subjected to possibly a smokey environment, resulting in staining around the bezel where substances have ingressed under the steel bezel. The steel back is marked to Longines and is a surprisingly firm fit to the case, which shows that the watch has not been opened too much. In fact, the case retains a good proportion of its original untouched nickel finish.

A great example and fast appreciating Longines classic that is suitable for everyday use; priced well below the cost of a modern Heritage replica! What's more, this watch comes fitted to genuine, although postwar, new old stock military issue leather wrist band, pretty much identical to those used during WW2.

Diameter excluding crown = 33 mm

Code: 51163