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A Rare Gents Vintage Longines Air Ministry 6B/159  Military / Pilot’s Watch c.1938.

This 6B/159 military issue wrist watch, made by Longines, is a rare RAF-Issued WWII military watch, worn during the Second World War by Fighter Pilots, recon spies and other aerial navigators. 

Produced by a number of world-class Swiss watch makers, including not only Longines but Omega and Jaeger LeCoultre, 6B/159 models were issued to both navigators and RAF pilots during World War II.

In the 1950s, a number of these watches were recommissioned by the Ministry of Defence, with modifications made that included replacing the entire case, losing the originality of the watch. Here, we are lucky to be in possession of a very rare original case- in really good condition at that. The case back is clip-on and in solid stainless steel, hence its better condition than the rest of the chrome-plated case. 

The movement powering this piece is a sturdy power house: a gilded 12.68N caliber movement, unusually, it featured blue steel screws. These were later removed by most manufacturers during the war due to the need to bring watch's within budget. 

This sparse and elegant timepiece with off-white dial and blue steel leaf hands is a genuine piece of British military history, much sought after by collectors - especially those seeking the full set of 6B/159 watches, both originals and reissues. These were issued with both black and white dials as we find here.

The case back of this watch has unfortunately had its military markings rubbed or worn away. There are some faint markings still visible! 

What’s On Offer 

This watch is in great overall condition, although the dial is a little marked and discoloured. The case edges by 9:00 and the crown have worn, revealing darker tones underneath the plated case.

Originally off-white, the dial has now discoloured pretty evenly to a beautiful cream patina, with some loss of dial paint at the 4 o'clock mark! 

The piece is sold on a NATO strap with steel pin buckle which can be exchanged for a strap in a colour of your choice, if preferred.