My Father's WWII Omega: What Am I Looking For?

Omegafanman · Jan 25, 2022

There were a lot of USAAF bases in the UK during WW2. This is a nice story of how a relic hunter found an engraved gold case wrist watch (which shows the diverse range of watches in circulation back then) He traced the watch back the family in the US. It was a graduation present in 1937. Sadly the owner who survived the war had died in 1996. His brother who also served in the war and survived (88 years old) was overjoyed to have the watch found and returned 66 years later. It shows how much these items mean / they are very intimate links to the past.

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ChiefMark · Jan 25, 2022

gbesq
Thanks to all who have responded both with their sympathies for our family's loss and also with information about my father's watch. I consider myself most fortunate to be a member of a community with so many kind, thoughtful individuals. The hunt for the watch resumes this coming weekend. I'm also going to attempt to gently clean up and polish my father's wings and his compass. We'll see how it goes, but I will be careful to do no harm.

I wish you success in finding an excellent example of your father's issued watch. I'm sorry for your loss and very thankful for his and his comrades contributions; they were truly the greatest generation.

jimmyd13 · Jan 27, 2022

As many have said, condolences on your loss.

You've described an Omega HS8. Image below borrowed from chrono24:

Omegafanman · Jan 27, 2022

jimmyd13
As many have said, condolences on your loss.

You've described an Omega HS8. Image below borrowed from chrono24:

So a Mk7A......

The Omega HS8s were all produced to the same standard specification as the RAF 6B/159 wristwatches, which included a white dial with black arabic numerals, centre seconds and blued steel non-luminous hands. These watches are commonly referred to by their Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm stores reference number of HS8. The initials “HS” stand for Hydrographic Survey and the number “8” refers to a wristwatch. The wonderful Omega HS8 watch for sale was produced around 1943 at the heart of WW2. These watches are considerably rarer than their RAF counterparts and good original examples are seldom offered for sale.
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watchyouwant · Jan 27, 2022

size11s
Condolences on your loss.
I know it is an 'army watch' but could it have been an Omega 2179/3 with a dial like so?

That was delivered to the US Army after the end of the War, 1945.

watchyouwant · Jan 27, 2022

jimmyd13
As many have said, condolences on your loss.

You've described an Omega HS8. Image below borrowed from chrono24:

That is quite possible. The original dial should have Swiss Made between the 6 and above the railway. Early HS 8 had stainless cases and springbars. Due to the steel shortage in the War, the next deliveries had an Alloy middle case and stainless bezel and outside engraved back. Different case numbers between HS8 and the later deliveries.

gatorcpa · Jan 27, 2022

watchyouwant
That was delivered to the US Army after the end of the War, 1945.

I believe these watches were delivered to the US Army in several batches. The first batch went through neutral Portugal in very early 1945, while the war was still going on. The Ref. 2384 watches (engraved with “US Army”) were thought to have been delivered first, due to earlier serial numbers on the movements, but that is not clear.

To @gbesq, my sincere condolences and hope that you are able to get everything in order.
gatorcpa

bardamu · Jan 27, 2022

Sorry for your loss, my sincere condolences.
Good luck with your search.

td69 · Jan 27, 2022

Sorry for your loss and best of luck in finding the watch.

cicindela · Jan 27, 2022

I have every confidence that when you see it you will know it so just keep looking.

watchyouwant · Jan 27, 2022

Vintage OMEGA HS8 Royal Navy fleet air arm pilots watch cal 30T2. ..... Look on the Bay for that description.

My Father's WWII Omega: What Am I Looking For?

Omegafanman

ChiefMark

jimmyd13

Omegafanman

watchyouwant

watchyouwant

gatorcpa

bardamu

td69

cicindela

watchyouwant

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