c.1942 Jaeger LeCoultre RAF 6B/159 Pilot’s Watch Military Issue Numbers 6B/159

1942 WW2 Jaeger LeCoultre RAF Pilot’s Watch Military Issue Numbers 6B/159

This is the  first and earliest variation 1942) of this iconic LeCoultre 6B series with the sector dial with the circle in the centre.

The case is brass base with a thick Chromed top and very rarely seen still in this near perfect condition.

This LeCoultre example is differentiated by its single piece front case and snap on rear. The dial also has the circle to the centre, with this being the only 6B/159 to have this style hands.

The 6B/159 code is the RAF code for high accuracy navigational equipment to be used on fighter and bomber aircraft, vital for accurate timing. To further aid this, the central second hand also has a hacking function, allowing for exact time setting.

Dial:
The dial is completely original and signed and is in superb condition for its age. It is an aged white tone with a nice even Patina The script is good and clear in the black tone, with no wear. The minute and  seconds track and hour markers are also good and clear.

Hands:
The hands are all original. They have the blued-steel finish. They are also in superb condition for their age.

Glass:
Plexi crystal.

Crown:
The crown is original and in Stainless Steel and is in perfect functioning original condition.

Case:
The case has the original thick chrome plating over brass no wear to the chrome plating on the tips of the lugs and areas on the sides. The fixed bar military lugs are original, good and straight.

Caseback:
The snap-on case back is stainless steel and has the polished finish. The issue markings are good and clear.

Strap:
The watch comes on a new NATO style strap.

Movement:
The movement is a LeCoultre calibre 470. It is a manual wind movement, with sweep central second. It has a jewel count of 17 and a frequency of 18,000 BPH.

The movement has just been recently fully freshly serviced (last month) and is keeping excellent time.

Case dimensions
Case width: 33mm
lug to lug: 42.5mm
height: 10mm
Lug width: 16mm

New correct RAF blue NATO strap fitted