A Superb & Rare Royal Flying Corps, Royal Naval Air Service Issue Cockpit Watch. RFC Stamped. Luminous Dial Elongated Winding Stem For Gloved Pilots Winding A Superb Original Artefact & Mechanical Instrument of WW1 Aeronautical Warfare History

Omega RFC Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service Cockpit watch, Mk.V, Luminous, c.1916. Nickel-plated steel case with a self-starting keyless 30-hour movement
Swiss manufacturers of Mark V watches applied their assigned (digraphic) letter code to the dial, { BB for Omega} followed by the item’s serial number {5390}. Company branding was allowed to appear on Mark V watches only to interior surfaces, eg the movement, cuvette, inner case back, etc.

These movements were selected for accuracy despite the vibration to which they were submitted. Black dial with white luminous Arabic numerals and seconds additional dial. Although normally referred to as a watch, these were actually fitted to the aircraft cockpit instrument panel via a special holder and used like a clock. Note the elongated stem allowed easier winding with a gloved hand. The elongated stem was a critical feature, enabling the pilot to wind the watch without removing it from its holder.
The case is in good overall condition and has clear markings with War Department broad arrow and 'A' indicating aviation issue.

Nomenclature applied to the dial (specifying, amongst other things, the contracted supplier of the watch)
luminous and non-luminous versions (although luminous versions were restricted to RNAS issue until late in WWI)
Military issue indicated by markings to the dial and/or to the case

Case in excellent condition, free from dents or other damage. The dial in good overall condition. Luminous hands. Luminous numbers. Glass clean, and free from adverse scratches. Movement clean and fresh-looking. The watch in running condition.

No warranty implied.

Note: RFC pilots 'signed for' cockpit watches prior to a given mission; they were also responsible for safe-keeping, and return.

Code: 26101