We have here a very exciting and rare CWC 6BB from 1979. It is estimated that only 2,400 CWC 6BBs were issued to the RAF, and they were only issued in 1979. The front-loading/monocoque, 35mm, brushed stainless steel, tonneau-shaped case is a comfortable wear on the wrist. The case back is engraved '6BB-6645-99 / 523-8290 / 777/79' with the Broad Arrow, and, as with all military watches, it has fixed lugs. Inside is the mechanical manual wind caliber with hacking, fully serviced by us and running strongly.
A domed crystal sits above a matte black dial. The wide minute track has pips that are coated in Tritium and large, Arabic numerals mark the hours. The hour and minute, sword-shaped hands are also coated in Tritium. The text is printed precisely with the T in a circle signifying Tritium. At 6 o’clock the Broad Arrow indicated British Government property. We've paired the watch on a NATO strap to keep it looking military and NATO strap options are endless.
CWC (Cabot Watch Company) was founded by Mr Ray Mellor in 1972. He was formerly the Contracts Director of Hamilton Watch. He quickly secured contracts to supply the British MOD and has supplied them many thousands of watches throughout his careedr. In 1996, upon his retirement, he sold CWC to Silvermans Ltd who then sold CWC watches to the public. Due to the increased costs of producing watches in Switzerland, the MOD requirements of buying cheap has meant they have ceased using Silvermans.
This watch comes fully serviced by our on-site workshop and with a 12 month, non-waterproof service cover.
What we think
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.
Everyone loves the W10 and this is why the 6BB is even better, to most it looks the same but it is far rarer and we seriously love the dials! For the last few years, military watches have been on the rise and are showing no sign of slowing down! If you are into military watches now is the time to buy, the great examples like this one are getting more and more difficult to find.
Spec Stuff
Reference : 6BB-6645-99 / 523-8290 / 777/79
Movement : ETA 2750, 17 Jewels Age :1971/1980 Specific Age :1979 Case Size : 35mm Case Thickness :11mm Lug to Lug : 41mm Lugs :18mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material :Stainless Steel Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1979 CWC 6BB/6645-99 British Royal Air Force Military Issue Wristwatch with Hacking Seconds
