1942 RAF Omega

K

Posts

10

Likes

6

k9kbs

·Jul 7, 2022

Hello I have just re-discovered this watch in my collection, many years ago I thought the engraving was someones name and age.....it's not as I have just found out....anyone have any information on it?.....can I find out who owned it in the war?.....is it valuable? Should I get the face fixed?

 

Posts

17,942

Likes

37,521

JimInOz

·Jul 7, 2022·Melbourne Australia

Looks like an Air Ministry (AM) military watch that has been converted to civilian use by replacing the original dial and hands.
Or it's a later model with the wrong caseback as the caliber is incorrect for a 6B/139 (I think).

6B/159 were pilot's watches issued by the RAF, there are many references on Google.

@watchyouwant should be able to provide more accurate info.

 

Posts

8,487

Likes

60,623

TexOmega

·Jul 7, 2022

 

Posts

609

Likes

787

Franco

·Jul 7, 2022

I think the only military issued part is the case back, and perhaps the rest of the case.

Edited: Jul 7, 2022

 

Posts

5,598

Likes

9,424

watchyouwant

·Jul 7, 2022

Case back transplanted onto a late 1950's Omega.

 

Posts

609

Likes

787

Franco

·Jul 7, 2022

watchyouwant

Case back transplanted onto a late 1950's Omega.

You are right, movement serial is from 1960, case back from 1942.

 

K

Posts

10

Likes

6

k9kbs

·Jul 7, 2022

JimInOz

Looks like an Air Ministry (AM) military watch that has been converted to civilian use by replacing the original dial and hands.
Or it's a later model with the wrong caseback as the caliber is incorrect for a 6B/139 (I think).

6B/159 were pilot's watches issued by the RAF, there are many references on Google.

@watchyouwant should be able to provide more accurate info.

It’s the 159, think it’s the wrong movement but they did start making them in 1940 I believe. Should I try and get a proper face and hands…..if the movement is correct?

 

Posts

609

Likes

787

Franco

·Jul 7, 2022

it is not, movement is from 1960. This is the correct , movement (from the forumer @jaegodylan).

Edited: Jul 7, 2022

 

K

Posts

10

Likes

6

k9kbs

·Jul 7, 2022

Franco

it is not, movement is from 1960. This is the correct , movement (from the forumer @jaegodylan).

Thanks guys, great knowledge you have, no wonder it wasn’t sold as a pilot’s watch, I only paid £80 for it, I am still getting it serviced and cleaned up a bit as I love omegas.
Once again thank you for all the information

 

Posts

768

Likes

1,328

size11s

·Jul 7, 2022

I think all the case belongs together, there are quite a few of these 10xxxxxx none 2292 cases used. The dial and movement clearly don't belong with the case. Good that you will keep it and enjoy it, was a bargain at £80, the case alone is worth considerably more than that.

 

K

Posts

10

Likes

6

k9kbs

·Jul 17, 2022

Just looking at the case number and it doesn't make sense to me....unless it's fake, which now I think it is. The numbers are: 10257974...anyone throw any light on it?

 

Posts

768

Likes

1,328

size11s

·Jul 17, 2022

Here's another, if you google you will see quite a few https://finest-hour.co.uk/product/omega-6b-159-raf-pilots-wristwatch-1942/

 

K

Posts

10

Likes

6

k9kbs

·Jul 17, 2022

Thanks....I just cant find out what the numbers mean....there are keys to the numbers of later/earlier models but not for these ones made in 1942, now I have started trying to find out the answer its going to drive me mad until I do.....

 

Posts

24,261

Likes

54,030

Dan S

·Jul 17, 2022

K k9kbs

Just looking at the case number and it doesn't make sense to me....unless it's fake, which now I think it is. The numbers are: 10257974...anyone throw any light on it?

Up until the 40s, Omega put serial numbers on cases as well as movements. That is a case serial number from the 40s. Charts won't allow you to date it with great precision. The only way to get a precise production date would be to pay for an extract. However, that would be a waste of money because it's clear that the watch has been put together from parts from at least two Omega watches.

 

K

Posts

10

Likes

6

k9kbs

·Jul 17, 2022

Yes.....what do the numbers mean?....number 1 I believe is a mans watch....02 is manual wind?...etc etc

 

Posts

24,261

Likes

54,030

Dan S

·Jul 17, 2022

K k9kbs

Yes.....what do the numbers mean?....number 1 I believe is a mans watch....02 is manual wind?...etc etc

It's not a reference number, it is a case serial number, it doesn't mean anything. Look at the lower right section of this chart.

 

K

Posts

10

Likes

6

k9kbs

·Jul 17, 2022

Dan S

It's not a reference number, it is a case serial number, it doesn't mean anything. Look at the lower right section of this chart.

That's the movement serial number isn't it?....I am only just learning about these Omega's sorry if I am sounding stupid

 

Posts

24,261

Likes

54,030

Dan S

·Jul 17, 2022

K k9kbs

That's the movement serial number isn't it?....I am only just learning about these Omega's sorry if I am sounding stupid

Please read the chart. The smaller chart at lower right are case serial numbers. There is also an explanation in italics at the top of the chart. 📖

 

Posts

7,651

Likes

21,952

Syrte

·Jul 17, 2022

Pity it is a « put together » watch as the movement is a transplant, but the case is a valuable steel case. Those steel Air Ministry watches were rare.
someone might try to buy it from you to pair it with a correct movement, dial and hands.

 

K

Posts

10

Likes

6

k9kbs

·Jul 17, 2022

Dan S

Please read the chart. The smaller chart at lower right are case serial numbers. There is also an explanation in italics at the top of the chart. 📖

Nice one....told you I was stupid!!....thanks for the info