W.W.II. RAF Bomber Stopwatch. 1941 (Chris Balm Early Aviation & Motoring Items)

W.W.II. RAF Bomber Stopwatch. 1941

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Original W.W.II. period, Royal Air Force issue stopwatch made by Smiths to be fitted into bomber cockpits. This example dates from 1941.

Solid nickel case with a snap-on bezel, inner dust cover and back, made in England by the "Dennison Watch Case Co.". The back of the case is engraved "1/5 Sec." and "A.M." (Air Ministry). It also bears the assignation, "6B/221" (indicates that it was a substitute standard stopwatch which was intended to be used as a back-up instrument). It is marked with the serial number, "14075" and the date, "41".The stopwatch is started, stopped and reset by depressing the winding crown. Case diameter (not including pendant) : 50.5mm. Case condition : 85%.

Cream coloured dial with a 60 second chapter (divided into 5ths of a second), an outer chapter divided into 360 degrees and a separate 30 minute register. Blued steel hands. Dial condition : 90%.

English made, nickel plated, 7 jewel stop watch movement manufactured by Smiths (calibre 523). Decorated with a machine engraved "Geneva stripe" design. Movement condition : 100%. Good working order.

These stopwatches were designed to be......"fixed in an aperture of the instrument panel in the cockpit. This allowed the pilot to monitor his flight progress without constant reference to the navigator. The timer also acted as a back-up to a number of alternative instruments. In the event of their being put out of action the stop watch could perform the function of a rate-of-turn indicator, assisted by the 360 degree graduations around the dial; or a fuel management system. (from "A Concise Guide to Military Timepieces 1880-1990" by Z. M. Wesolowski.

Inventory No. A-358

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