Scarce W.W.I. DOXA Royal Flying Corps Mk.V Cockpit Watch. c.1916

Scarce W.W.I. DOXA Royal Flying Corps Mk.V Cockpit Watch. c.1916

SOLD

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Scarce, original W.W.I. 'Mark V' Royal Flying Corps aircraft cockpit watch made by the quality Swiss watch manufacturer, "Doxa". This watch dates from around 1916.

Solid nickel case with snap on back and bezel. Hinged inner dust cover. Nickel bow (later addition in order that watch could be worn on the person). Inside case back signed, "Doxa". British military markings on back : War Department arrow and "A" (Aviation). Fitted with acrylic U.B. crystal. Case diameter (not including pendant) : 52 mm. Case condition : 85%.

Matt black enamel dial with subsidiary seconds. White numerals and markers. White metal hands. Dial marked : "30 Hour, Non Luminous, Mk V" and "B.E.6879". Dial condition : 100%.

High quality, nickel plated, 19 ligne, 15 jewel movement. Signed, "Doxa". Machine engraved decoration to plates. Bi-metallic compensation balance. Breguet overcoil hair spring. Movement condition (appearance) : 95%. Recently serviced. Time keeping : Good.

These watches were made to be fitted into the cockpits of Royal Flying Corps aircraft (see picture above). They are scarce items, sought after by both watch and aviation collectors.

In 1889 Georges Ducommun established a watch making workshop in Le Locle, Switzerland. The business was a success and in 1910 he registered the trade name, ‘Doxa’ for use on all their timepieces. As well as manufacturing pocket and wrist watches, the company also produced instrument panel clocks for automobiles and aircraft, railway timepieces, jewellery watches and travel/alarm clocks.

After the death of Ducommun in 1936, the business was taken over by his brother-in-law, Jacques Nardin (grandson, of the founder of the Ulysse Nardin watch company). In 1978, the company was purchased by Aubry Frères S.A.

Inventory No. 508

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