The Watch
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You'd be forgiven for mistaking this Watch for the much more commonly seen Omega 6B/159 RAF Issue, they were after 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. The only real difference between the two are the shortened lugs, lack of fixed bars on the HS8 and of course, the caseback markings.
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H.S.8 which translates as Hydrographic Survey and the number “8” refers to a Wristwatch.
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Issued to a Royal Navy Pilot in 1943 probably flying off aircraft carriers.
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Only a few thousand of these Watches were issued to Royal Navy Pilots, making them seldom seen and examples in this sort of nick even more so.
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The Specs
Age: c.1943
Movement: Manual wind with Non-Hacking Centre Seconds.
Calibre: 30t2 SC.
Timekeeping: Very good.
Service History: Full Service by John Senior, September 2024.
Dial: Original Omega Military Specification Dial.
Dial: Original Omega Military Specification Dial.
Case: Chrome Plated Brass with Shorter Lugs.
Measurements: without/with Crown: 33mm/34.6mm End to End: 39.2mm
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original.
Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal.
Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal.
Crown: Replacement Genuine Omega Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: New light Blue military style Strap with Steel fixtures.
Lug Width: 18mm.
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Issued to a Royal Navy pilot, can you get any cooler?
- 1 of only a few thousand.
- Blue Steeled Handset.
-Dial is in very good order for the nature of these Watches.
-Correct Shortened lugs and spring bars.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Chrome non existent on case.
-Replacement Crown.
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Overall this Omega Pilot is in very good condition.
The Dial is in super condition, with some age related discolouration.
Chrome Case is in good nick really for its age and nature.
Caseback markings are nice and fairly crisp.
Replacement Crown.
Crystal in good shape.
Hands are in lovely shape.