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c.1943 - Omega Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm - Issued Hydrographic Survey H.S.8 - Ref. 2292***NOW SOLD***

This item has now sold
£0.00GBP
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Omega H.S.8 /|\  Rare British Military Issue Men’s Wrist Watch, c.1943 

This rare Omega HS8 /|\  men’s watch (Omega model reference 2292) is a piece of British military history. Issued to Fighter Pilots and Navigators during the Second World War, the sparse yet practical and beautiful timepiece has a high-quality manual-winding chronometer-accurate movement that allowed pilots to calculate the position of their aircraft in the sky.

Arguably the most interesting feature is the military markings on the rear of the case denoting its use as a Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm - Issued Hydrographic Survey watch; this watch was likely used during reconnaissance and ordinance of enemy areas during the Second World War. The case of the watch was purpose-made from an aluminum, copper, magnesium, and manganese alloy called ’Duralumin’ with a matte finish, designed to prevent distracting glare from the sun if the watch was worn in the cockpit of a plane. Using the serial number, the watch is reasonably accurately dated to a 1943 issue.

The off-white dial houses distinctive blue tempered steel hands, and on the back of the case, you’ll find a military arrow or ‘Pheon’ elegantly engraved with the Military issue reference numbers.  

Look out for the case’s instantly recognisable elongated and fixed lugs too – a military-style that ensured the straps were not accidentally detached from the case during combat. The history and detail of this beautiful timepiece make it a fascinating piece for the civilian and a must for the military watch collector. 

What’s on offer:

This piece is sold with a brand-new leather or nylon NATO-style military strap, which is more commensurate with everyday wearing of the timepiece. The dial-in particular is in great condition, with its original white tones still vivid and true to the watch's character. With an original crown, blue steel leaf hands, and full-length lugs, this watch is in very good condition, considering its age. Recently serviced by our watchmaker, keeping excellent time! 

Additional information:

Made from

Case: Steel back. Duralumin upper. 

Dial: Off-white.

Crystal: Plexiglass.

Bracelet: Sold with NATO-style military strap in leather or nylon.

Technical specifications

Movement Type: Manual winding.

Caliber: Omega 30TC SC.

Jewels: 16.

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent and original.

Model reference number: 2292 (HS/|\8)

Date / Year of issue: c.1943.

Guarantee

Sold with a 12-month guarantee.

Dimensions

Width (without crown): 33mm

Height (lug to lug): 43mm

Lug width: 18mm.

Wrist size: Adjustable.