1953 Rare and Original Omega 6B/542 British Military Issue RAF "Fat Arrow" Wristwatch

Product Code: AWCOM2890

Availability:Out of stock

This Watch

We have here a very exciting, all original and rare Omega 6B, nicknamed the 'Fat Arrow,' RAF-issued military wristwatch.  These watches were only issued in 1953 and are recognisable from the distinct, wide Broad Arrow, which signifies that the watch is property of the Crown.  The original, black dial has a nice amount of age.  The lumed hands and hour pips also have some age to them, as you would expect to see from a 70+ year old watch.  The dial also has applied Arabic numerals, railway-style outer minute tracking and is signed with the Omega logo, 'Omega and the circled 'T', indicating the use of tritium.

The 37mm, brushed stainless steel case is engraved with the NATO stock number and issue number '6645 101000 / 6B/542 / 2890/53'and houses Omega's mechanical manual wind caliber 283, fully serviced by us and running strongly.  We've paired this beauty on a black NATO strap, but it will look equally good on leather.

Extra Points 

Founded by Louis Brandt in 1848, Omega started out as La Generale Watch Co., an unassuming, but international business. It wasn't until 1885, when the company had been taken over by Louis' sons, that the first mass-produced caliber, the Labrador, was released. By 1903, the company had renamed itself Omega and only two years later were they the official timekeepers at many sporting events across Switzerland. Omega stepped onto an international stage in 1932 as the official timekeepers at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the first of over 20 Olympic Games. Omega were one of the 12 companies, now known as the Dirty Dozen, commissioned to produce watches for the British Military during the Second World War. One of Omega's most iconic watches, the Seamaster, was introduced in 1948 to celebrate their 100th anniversary. Over 70 years later, it is still one of Omega's best selling watches. Omega made headlines in 1962 when Wally Schirra wore the Speedmaster as part of NASA's first crewed spaceflight programme, making the Speedmaster the first watch to enter space. It was only a few years before the Speedmaster became the official chronograph for the American space missions and was worn by Buzz Aldrin as well as the Apollo 13 crew. Omega are still involved with NASA and have been instrumental in creating vital pieces of equipment for space exploration. Omega's reputation continued to soar in the 1990s with Omega Seamaster worn by Pierce Brosnan as James Bond. As well as post-1995 James Bonds, Omega has been worn by the likes of Elvis Presley, John F. Kennedy, Prince William, Rory McIlroy, Ringo Starr, Michael Phelps, Cindy Crawford and George Clooney.

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

What we think

We always get excited by military watches.  They have such an iconic design, obviously utilitarian but somehow they always seem to have some character, too.  A perfect addition to military or Omega enthusiasts and the perfect watch for a first time military watch buyer. In all-original condition, this watch is a must-have in any collection! 

Spec Stuff


Reference : 6645 101000 / 6B/542 / 2890/53
Movement : Manual Wind Caliber 283, 17 Jewels
Age : 1951/1960
Specific Age : 1953
Case Size : 37mm
Case Thickness :
Lug to Lug :

Lugs :
18mm
Condition :
 Pre-Owned
Box & Papers :
No
Case Material :
  Stainless Steel
Service History :
  Our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty

1953 Rare and Original Omega 6B/542 British Military Issue RAF "Fat Arrow" Wristwatch