A WWII Fairey Swordfish aeroplane dashboard watch by H. Golay & Son LTD number 720

H. Golay & Son Ltd of London were among the very few official importers supplying high-grade navigation timers to the British Ministry of Defence in the late 1930s. Their specialist role meant they delivered precision cockpit instruments—most notably dashboard watches such as this example—used by Fleet Air Arm crews during WWII. This type of navigation watch is associated with the Fairey Swordfish torpedo bomber, where pilots relied on rotating radio beacons and timing pulses to orient themselves and locate their carrier. By aligning the seconds hand to “north,” Airmen could interpret the returning signal and navigate accurately even in low visibility.

What's on offer

This superb surviving example is housed in its original black Bakelite dashboard mount, complete with its ivory-coloured base marked STORES REF. H.S. 527-3638—the Royal Navy classification confirming its use as an aircraft dashboard timepiece. Removing the front housing reveals the standalone watch: a handsome 62mm navigation timer with a polished stainless-steel case engraved H^S.4, denoting its Fleet Air Arm instrument status.

The crisp white dial features bold Roman numerals, an inner chemin de fer minute track, and a striking black outer ring marked 0–360 degrees—essential for directional timing and heading calculations. The beautifully heat-blued leaf hands provide excellent contrast against the dial, and the watch is topped with a large onion-shaped crown for ease of use while wearing flight gloves. A locking tab beside the crown secures the rotating bezel when the pilot leaves the aircraft, ensuring the navigational reference remains fixed.

As expected of a genuine service-used cockpit instrument, the Bakelite housing shows minor knocks and wear from its operational life, including light blemishes where it once slotted into the Swordfish panel. The plexiglass crystal carries faint marks typical of age, though these can be polished out on request.

Overall, this is a rare and evocative piece of WWII naval aviation history—an authentic Fleet Air Arm dashboard watch from a Fairey Swordfish, complete with its original housing and distinctive military markings. A true collector’s item with extraordinary historical presence. These items, especially in as complete and usable condition do not come up for sale very often at all so don't delay in making your purchase as who knows when you will see one again!