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Smiths
SKU: VWS3203cs

Smiths DeLuxe Tritium Dial - A Rare 6B/542 RAF Issued Watch from 1956 - With Calibre 27CS Movement

A Very Rare and Very Collectable Smiths DeLuxe 6B/542 RAF Watch in Superb Condition with Original Military Engravings, 1956

Case
Stainless Steel
Condition
 9/10
Year
1956
Box/Papers
 No/No
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What's on Offer

In the 1950s, before the production of the W10 watch, Smiths were asked by the MoD to produce a watch for general military service to be used by all of the forces which would be built to their particular specifications. 

300 of these 6B/542 designation watches were ordered and issued first to the RAF in the mid-1950s. After this, no more were ordered until 1961 when 600 were produced and sold to the Royal Australian Air Force. 

Given the small numbers in which this watch was manufactured,  they proved particularly expensive to Smiths and subsequently production was ceased meaning this watch is a rarity indeed. 

In terms of rare military watches, this Smiths DeLuxe is up there. And. It is in incredibly good condition, so this is an extra special find and one which are delighted to offer for sale. 

The dial is in superb condition and bears the hallmarks we would expect to see including bold Arabic numerals, luminous pips on the hour plots and the military pheon which denotes the watch as property of the MoD. The original pencil hands are still in good shape and boast their original tritium lume (denoted by the circled T) which has aged nicely across the dial. Encapsulated underneath shatterproof plexiglass, the dial remains the jewel i the crown of this watch however, the steel case and lugs are also in superb condition and to the case back you will note the original military markings are all present and correct.

This watch has been incredibly well preserved and is very much sought after by collectors around the world, don't sleep on this one! 

Case
Stainless Steel
Box
No
Dial
Black
Papers
No
Crystal
Plexiglass
Model Ref
6B/542
Winding
Manual
Bracelet
NATO Style
Movement Type
Mechanical
Condition
9/10
Calibre
27CS
Date of Issue
1956
Jewels
17
Warranty
12 Months VWS
Power Reserve
41 Hours
Lug Height
46mm
Width
36mm
Lug width
17mm
Wrist Size
Adjustable

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