WWII RAAF 458 Squadron Omega Watch - R17.8 Movement ID

Last year, I bought a vintage Omega, primarily drawn to it by the inscription on the case back. As a history enthusiast, I couldn't pass up a piece with such a specific provenance. The engraving reads: “To our adjutant from the officers of 458 Squadron Gibraltar 3.3.45.”

The 458 Squadron recently conducted their own research into the watch’s origins and published their findings in their November newsletter.

The man behind the inscription was Flight Lieutenant John Islip (255010). Originally from Deniliquin, NSW, John enlisted in March 1942. His service began in New Guinea as an Assistant Adjutant with 4 Squadron before he was eventually posted to 458 Squadron in Gibraltar. He served as their final Adjutant there until the unit was disbanded on June 9, 1945.

First photo is in PNG. That's him on the far left. Then in Gibraltar with the 458. In Egypt on his way to England and his medals.

Following the disbandment, John was posted to England to help oversee the repatriation program. According to his daughter, Rosalyn, he served as the Commanding Officer for the operation, staying on until the very last group of Australian service members returned home.

A 1983 squadron newsletter highlights a particularly notable moment from John’s time in Gibraltar. He played a key role in organizing a "changing of the colours" ceremony performed by a specially trained squad from the 458. At the time, this was a significant event, as the ceremony was traditionally reserved exclusively for Royal Regiments.

After the war, John returned to East Malvern, Melbourne, with his wife, Hilda. (Interestingly, their home had been leased to the American military for the duration of his service.)

John’s was obviously a very organized fella. In 1963, he was awarded an OBE for his administrative services to the architectural industry. Before retiring in 1970, he served as the Secretary of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects—a detail I found particularly meaningful given the crossover into the professional field I work in today.

As you can see the dial is pretty 'tropical' 😜 . I'd love to know the reference. I struggled to find one with the same lugs and numeral font. It’s serviced and runs well.

Thanks guys, hopefully one of the gurus chime in. I'm guessing the reference will be close to this one

Here is another shot of the Wellingtons from 458 at Gibraltar from the archives of the Australian War Memorial.


GIBRALTAR. 1945-02. WELLINGTON AIRCRAFT OF NO. 458 SQUADRON RAAF. BECAUSE OF THE RENEWAL OF U-BOAT ACITVITY IN THE AREA, MEDITERRANEAN ALLIED COASTAL AIR FORCE (MACAF) ORDERED THE SQUADRON TO GIBRALTAR TO ASSIST NO. 22 (SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE) SQUADRON IN ITS ANTI-SUBMARINE WORK.

I am a bit time poor (no pun intended) for some watch related reasons so can’t dive into this too deeply. It’s a lovely story and history. Interestingly it looks to be a T17 movement, probably not military issue and not designed for this case (more for a tank style watch) I think likely a CK3635, which were supposed to be more waterproof, which would suit Gibraltar. The movement looks to be 1941. I have seen a few gifted military watches that are not military issue. I guess you can’t bastardise official kit or you will be put on Jankers :0)
I wonder if it was fitted into the watch case later. Perhaps someone who knows more about case numbers and watchmaking can comment. @wristpirate or @Archer might advise from a watchmaking angle. It’s not a bit of history I know well. These is a chance omega did use tonneau style in these cases, but I am not aware of that and it looks more like a 30t2 style watch (but again I suspect a civilian one). That is my best guess based on limited experience. It makes it more and not less interesting to me if it is a one-off for a gift.

Thanks for your input Omegafanman! Interesting that it seems to be a mix of a few things. From what I can discern it had been with the original owner until his passing so I guess any changes were done under his ownership which would be part of the story. I still love it as its a piece of history that has been keep alive and running and try to wear it every now and again even though I still struggle with smaller watches on my fat wrist!

Always fantastic to see a watch with such provenance. Thanks for sharing it and the story!

Thanks Dan, all the little bits of extra information helps me. I'll look into that movement.

I did a lot of googling and reverse image searching and yet to find that numeral style. With 'patina' like that I would assume its not a more modern fakey dial.

Thanks again @Dan S . I will see if I can find some catalogs that might give me more direction.