Why This Watch Matters

A classic RAF pilot's watch with a twist.

The Full Story

During the Second World War, the Royal Navy called on a litany of manufacturers in order to outfit their service members with watches. This included Omega who turned to their renowned caliber 30T2 with its many awards and chronometer rating. Following the conclusion of the war, the British Ministry of Defense (MoD) saw a need to supply Royal Air Force pilots and navigators with a new, larger, and water-resistant wristwatch. By using backstock Omega movements and dials, the MoD called on the dial refinisher Bill & Sons and case maker Dennison to create the watch we see here.

Created in black dials as well as white, these stainless-steel pilots watches used what the MoD already had on hand to create a more usable wristwatch for the decades to come. Today, far more black dialed A.M. 6B/159 examples are found than white so collectors are always after the variant we have here. Measuring at 36.25mm in diameter and with the same elongated lugs as Omega's work for the Royal Air Force during WWII, there is a lot to love here. 

The Fine Print

Maker: Omega 
Model: A.M. 6B/159
Reference: N/A
Year: 1956
Case No: N/A
Movement No: 9820178
Material: Stainless steel
Dimensions: 36.25mm diameter; 13mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: None
Caliber: Omega, manually-wound, caliber 30T2
Bracelet/Strap: Vintage grey nylon single piece strap
Lug Width: 17mm (fixed spring bars) 
Box/Papers: No

What We Love And What You Should Know 

Things We Love:

- Classic pilot's watch look and feel
- Blued steel hands
- Omega 30T2 movement inside

Things To Know:

- Scratches on case
- Re-cased and re-dialed by the MoD in 1956
- Fixed spring bars 

This Omega is in very good, honest condition. The case has some scratches and has been polished. The text and numbers on the caseback are clearly visible. The caseback has some scratches.

The dial is in good condition with a light patina. The hands show wear to the blued finish in some spots.

The crystal has scratches. The dial, crown, and movement are signed by Omega. The crown and crystal are later Omega service replacements. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.