This Watch

A Piece of Cold War History: Rare British RAF Issue Military Watch (1976) - The Enigmatic "Lost Navigator"

Step back in time with this exceptionally rare and historically significant British Royal Air Force (RAF) issue military wristwatch, clearly dated 1976. This particular timepiece is highly sought after by collectors due to its unique "sterile" dial, lacking any manufacturer markings, which has earned it the intriguing nickname "The Lost Navigator."

A Watch Forged for Duty:

Built to stringent military specifications, this watch embodies the ruggedness and reliability demanded by RAF aircrew during the height of the Cold War. The robust, front loading stainless steel case, with its distinctive cushion shape and fixed lug bars, speaks to its utilitarian design and ensures durability in demanding environments. The no-nonsense aesthetic prioritizes legibility above all else.

 Its 36mm brushed stainless steel tonneau-shaped case sits on the wrist like a cushion. The monocoque case means you have to go through the front to get to the movement. It is made from a single block of stainless steel and increases the watch's resistance to water, and gives it additional strength over a traditional case with a screw-down case back. The fixed spring bars have a lug-to-lug length of 41mm and a thickness of 10mm, ensuring a comfortable fit on your wrist. A domed crystal sits above a matte black dial. The wide minute track has pips coated in Tritium, large Arabic numerals mark the hours, and elegant sword hands are coated in Tritium. Text is printed precisely with the T in a circle, signifying Tritium. At 6 o’clock, the Broad Arrow indicated British Government property. On the reverse, it is engraved with its military Nato stock number and issue number .

The black dial is one of the best examples we have seen and the case is looking to be untouched.  It's a really sharp example!   the 'Circle T' (for the Tritium lume) and with the Broad Arrow.  The lume on the hour indices markers and hands are in good order.

Extra Points 

The Mysterious Sterile Dial:

The most captivating feature of this watch is its stark, black "sterile" dial. Unlike standard military watches of this period that proudly display their maker's name, ( Hamilton & CWC ) this example remains deliberately unsigned. This omission has fuelled much speculation and intrigue among collectors, leading to the moniker "The Lost Navigator." Theories abound, ranging from specific operational requirements to potential procurement anomalies. Regardless of the exact reason, this sterile dial significantly enhances its rarity and mystique. In our opinion It was a trial Issue caliber (As 2060) of an estimated 2000 pieces. The As 2060 caliber has a quite unique internal hacking bar which engages with the balance and setting work. Stopping the balance when in the hand setting position. Quite a complex hacking system and combined with the non central friction wheel maybe the mod decided to go with the more standard and available Eta 2750.

The dial itself is a model of clarity, featuring bold, luminous Arabic numerals for easy time reading in all conditions. Luminous hour markers and hands (likely tritium-based, as was common for the era) further enhance visibility in low-light situations. A prominent hacking seconds hand, essential for precise synchronization, sweeps around the dial. The iconic circled "T" above the 6 o'clock marker indicates the use of tritium luminous material.

Authentic Military Provenance:

The clear "76" marking on the caseback unequivocally dates this watch to 1976, placing it firmly within a significant period of modern history. While the specific 6BB designation (typically associated with RAF navigation watches) isn't explicitly visible in this single image, your description confirms its crucial military provenance. Owning this watch means owning a tangible piece of British military history, a tool that likely served on vital missions.

Key Features:

• Genuine British RAF Issue: A rare and authentic military timepiece issued to Royal Air Force personnel.
• Dated 1976: Clearly marked caseback indicating its year of manufacture.
• Highly Collectible "Sterile" Dial: The unmarked dial adds significant rarity and intrigue, earning it the "Lost Navigator" nickname.
• Robust Case: Likely stainless steel cushion case designed for durability.
• High-Legibility Dial: Black dial with bold luminous Arabic numerals and markers.
• Luminous Hands: Ensuring readability in low-light conditions.
• Hacking Seconds Hand: For precise time synchronization.
• Circled "T": Indicates the use of tritium luminous material.
• Fixed Lug Bars: A characteristic feature of military watches, providing secure strap attachment.
• Olive Green Canvas Strap: A period-correct style and durable strap that complements the watch's military aesthetic.

This 1976 British RAF "Lost Navigator" watch is a rare and compelling find for serious military watch collectors and enthusiasts of British history. Its enigmatic sterile dial, coupled with its clear military provenance, makes it a truly unique and highly desirable timepiece. Don't miss the opportunity to own this fascinating piece of horological and military heritage.  It is said that Hamilton supplied these watches in 1976 but this seems vague! the cases are similar to Hamilton & Cwc but not interchangeable with the Eta caliber or dial!

The Hamilton Watch Company is a Swiss manufacturer of wristwatches, based in Bienne, Switzerland. Founded in 1892 as an American company, Hamilton Watch Company ended American manufacture in 1969. Hamilton produced W10 watches for the British Military between also in 1973 and 1976, and it is estimated that around W10 pieces 30,000 were produced during these three years. Hamilton took over the contract from Smiths, and were succeeded by CWC. It was, however, during the early 1900s that Hamilton were named the official watch supplier for the American Armed Forces and they produced watches for the USA not only throughout both World Wars, but also for every military operation that the USA have been involved in over the last 100 years. Through a series of mergers and acquisitions, Hamilton eventually became integrated into the Swatch Group, the world's largest watch manufacturing and marketing conglomerate.

The watch has been fully serviced by our on-site workshop and comes with a 12 month, non-waterproof service cover.

Hamilton produced watches for the British Military between 1973 and 1976, and it is estimated that around 30,000 were produced during these three years but apparently on around 700 6bb versions .Hamilton took over the contract from Smiths, and were succeeded by CWC in 1976.

There is something truly amazing about wearing a military watch, never knowing what it may have seen or been through throughout its life, whose wrist it was on etc... That is what I think people are drawn to with military watches - the unknown, but the potential.

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