Omega - RAF 6B/542 Issued “53 Fat Arrow” Pilot’s Watch - 1953 - Reference 2777-1
Omega 1953 Fat Arrow, Model Reference: 2777-1 with, 6645 101000 - 6B/542 6370/53 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 inside 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 rare and original radium 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These watches were originally made to be waterproof as well as antimagnetic and were fitted with the 283 calibres shockproof movement which was finished in rose gold.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. 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
A rare treat here in the shape of this beautiful and superbly preserved 1953 Omega Fat Arrow in original condition with a stunning rich black dial. The brilliant white Arabic numerals are perfectly intact and are inset from the outer minute track which also looks well. The hour plots enjoy vintage lume which has aged beautifully to an attractive caramel colour which corresponds perfectly with the lume in the chunky sword hands which has also been preserved well. The synonymous 'fat arrow' is prevalent at 6 0'clock and an Omega signature sits at 12 o'clock and is underwritten by the tritium emblem. The dial is completed with a central seconds needle hand and is encapsulated underneath shatterproof Plexiglas. There is some slight blemishing to very outer edge of the dial at 2 o'clock but this is barely noticeable to the naked eye and is to be expected with a watch of this nature and age.
The case is in nice shape too with clear military markings on the case back. The '53 Fat Arrow' from Omega enjoys really nice dimensions that make it great on the wrist. Comfortable and tough by nature, this tool watch is still running well and was recently serviced by our watchmaker and is ready to wear, it would make a superb addition to any collection with the added bonus of being a historic piece from a world-renowned watchmaker.
Additional information
Made from
Case: Stainless Steel
Dial: Black
Crystal: Plexi
Bracelet: NATO Style
Technical specifications
Winding: Manual
Movement Type: Mechanical
Calibre: 283
Jewels: 17j
Waterproof: When New
Power reserve: 45hrs
Purchase details
Condition: Excellent
Model Reference: 27771-1 SC
Date of issue: 1953
Guarantee: 12 months by VWS
Dimensions
Width: 37 mm
Lug width: 18mm
Lug height: (lug to lug) 46mm
Wrist size: Adjustable
