WW1 RFC Mk IV 8-Day Pilot's Watch, c.1914

A rare military contract Record Watch issued to the Royal Flying Corps, c.1914. This original and early pilot's watch is in good condition, running well and keeping time, with some sign of service use, yet remaining authentic and in collector grade condition. It has not been serviced.

Bearing the name of Record's founder, "Moise Dreyfuss" on the white dial, this Mark IV watch uses an Octava movement that delivered accurate 8-day timekeeping. This was a desirable function as aviators relied upon their watch to monitor fuel usage and calculate distance but, most importantly, aeroplanes were required to return to their airfield at a predetermined time, or risk being mistaken for an enemy raider.

As military aviation learned its lessons, future Mark IV and Mark V cockpit watches would be delivered with black dials as in use, it was found that the darker dials were easier on the eye. During regular maintenance, many white dials were replaced, making this variant a rarity.

By 1940, many obsolete War Department watches were pressed back into service when they were issued to the Home Guard and evidence suggests that this happened with this watch as some of the dial inscriptions have been covered over, which was a practice followed during WW2.

Overall, a good clean example that has served in two world wars.

Code: 51727