Watch strap for Omega HS^8 Spitfire watch

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PhilMack

·Sep 5, 2025

I have inherited an Omega Spitfire HS^8 watch with a number 5224 engraved on the back. It had a poor leather strap which is broken so looking for a period replacement - any suggestions on what would have been the style of the original strap and colour.

Also I cannot get the back off to check the movement - I think its a pressed on type but cant see any tab and no luck with a knife blade to remove, any ideas?

 

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AndyAust

·Sep 5, 2025

Amazing watch - I can't help with your questions but would be interested to know the history of the watch. Has it always been in your family?

 

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sathomasga

·Sep 5, 2025

I have my HS↑8 on an RSM VTG Mil Watch Strap in Khaki Other possibilities are available from https://af0210strap.com

And, yes, it is a snap-on caseback

 

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padders

·Sep 6, 2025·Oooo subtitles!

Sorry to be a pedant but since HS8 devotes Fleet Air Arm issue. The one thing your watch is not is a Spitfire watch since those were not flown by the RN FAA. They are more normally known as the Air Ministry Omega. The RAF version was stamped 6B/159.

You probably alteady know the second hand has been replaced. I’m surprised to see removable bars on an issued watch too but I’ve seen others like it.

 

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Davidt

·Sep 6, 2025

I’d say a fabric strap like the one shown above or a tan pigskin.

 

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sathomasga

·Sep 6, 2025

padders

Sorry to be a pedant but since HS8 devotes Fleet Air Arm issue. The one thing your watch is not is a Spitfire watch since those were not flown by the RN FAA. They are more normally known as the Air Ministry Omega. The RAF version was stamped 6B/159.

You probably alteady know the second hand has been replaced. I’m surprised to see removable bars on an issued watch too but I’ve seen others like it.

I suppose it could have been worn by a Seafire pilot, though. 😀

My understanding is that (most of?) the HS↑8 watches, like mine, were delivered with spring bars instead of fixed bars. If that’s true, I wonder why the Navy and Air Force made different choices.

And for sure the red second hand is not original. The extract of the archives for my watch explicitly calls out the blued hands as a specific request by the British government

 

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PhilMack

·Sep 6, 2025

Thanks everyone for the replies, I have ordered a nato nylon strap, should arrive soon. I recognise the second hand is not the original but have seen the same watch also with the red second hand and possible from a different watch, I finally go5 the back off and will upload some pictures

 

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PhilMack

·Sep 6, 2025

Also have this watch. Army Officers. It has a black omega strap, not unscrews the back yet