Made by Smiths using a Le-Coultre movement for use in military aircrafts cockpit, there is no cooler desk clock. Model IIIA or 6A/3157
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the case back we can accurately date this watch to being issued in 1954.
CONDITION
This type of cockpit chronograph had a long service life. At the start of WW2 they could be found in Hampden bombers, and by 1958 military surplus models were available (without the broad arrow markings), and one found its way onto the dashboard of the of the Ferrari 250 Testarossa that won Le Mans. The models around 1954 were destined to be fitted into jet powered fighters, with the two most significant planes launched that year were the Hawker Hunter and Supermarine Swift.
The movement is a quality Swiss Le-Coultre 330, which has a chronograph for the elapsed time dial at 12. This can be paused, for example if stopping to refuel, or reset to zero independently to the main clock. Being an eight day movement, it is ideal for use as a desk clock now to be wound at the start of each working week. It is sealed so can be used as is, or maybe a bracket made from aluminium to replicate the 2.5″ spaced holes on the outside of the case, which is how it would have been fitted into a cockpit. The left hand knob winds and sets the clock (anti clockwise to wind, which is unusual), and the right hand knob starts stops and resets the chronograph mechanism. It is working well, and can be regulated via a slide in the rear of the case. The paint is all original, as is the dial and cathedral hands.
This watch will be supplied with our Certificate of Authenticity and the half box shown in the video.
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SIZE
Width 82.6 mm (3.25 inches)
Case Thickness 41.0 mm
All sizes are approximate.
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