Omega 53 Fat Arrow - Engraved 6645 101000 6B/542 2089/53 For the RAF - Caliber 283

Omega 1953 Fat Arrow, Model Reference: 2777-1 with, 6645 101000 - 6B/542 2089/53 Engraved for the Military and Denoting It Being Issued to the British Royal Air Force 

The Omega ‘Fat Arrow’ is a British Air Ministry (RAF) issued wristwatch. Its official title as denoted in the case back by Omega is the 2777-1 SC. Manufactured to the precise specifications of the Air Ministry in 1952 and delivered only in 1953 for one year to the Royal Air Force. Hence they have acquired the nickname ’53 Fat Arrow’ or for the very original dials they were called the ’53 Thin Arrow’, (fuller explanation below)!

These watches were originally made to be waterproof as well as antimagnetic and were fitted with the 283 caliber shockproof movement which was finished in rose gold. They were made to be very antimagnetic so as not to affect the performance during flight operations.

The dial and hands were originally lumed with radium, but the Royal Air Force insisted Omega recall the watches, as they were not safe when stored in large quantities and when they needed to be serviced. So, Omega swapped the radium dials and hands for tritium and at this point printed a ‘fat arrow’, which replaced the usual and original ‘thin arrow’ on the dials, to indicate the safer lume had been administered.

The black military dial has white Arabic numerals, a white outer minute track with luminous inserts, and white centre sweep seconds.

The case back is engraved /|\ 6645 101000 6B/542 2089/53 and has movement number 12905xxx.

There were only 5900 of these watches manufactured and issued to the RAF and as such good examples are becoming rarer and increasingly harder to find.

What’s On Offer 

Here we have a stunning example of a 1953 Omega Fat Arrow. The synonymous black dial is practically faultless with no notable blemishes; incredible really considering the age of the watch. 

The Omega signature, minute rail track, Arabic numerals, and ‘fat arrow’ are all perfectly crisp and the tritium hour lume plots remain intact as do the sword hands. The lume on both the dial and the hands has aged fairly evenly and has taken on a rather pleasing buttery colour - all in all, a very attractive dial with a well-maintained case with sharp edges and classic lines, generous proportions that wear beautifully. 

The watch has just returned after having a complete overhaul by the renowned military watchmaker John Senior at which point the crown and glass were also replaced with NOS items, so the watch now looks its best.

A fantastic watch for everyday wear, and a wonderful addition to any collection. Snap it up!

Additional information

Made from

Case: Stainless Steel

Dial: Black

Crystal: Plexi

Bracelet: Nato Style Leather

Technical specifications

Winding: Manual

Movement Type: Mechanical

Caliber: 283

Jewels: 17

Waterproof: When New

Power reserve: 45hrs

Purchase details

Condition: Excellent - 9.5/10

Model Reference: 2777-1 SC

Date of issue: 1953

Guarantee: 12 months by VWS

Dimensions

Width: 37mm

Lug width: 18mm

Lug height: (lug to lug) 48mm

Wrist size:  Adjustable