Lot 99

Omega

RAF Weems

A pilot's rare, historically interesting vintage Royal Air Force military wristwatch with Weems system for locking the bezel

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On January 5, 1940 the Royal Air Force (RAF) placed an urgent special order with Omega for 2,000 watches of reference number CK 2129. Delivery was to begin on March 10, 1940 to Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Co Ltd in London. The watches were intended primarily for Spitfire pilots.
These so-called "Weems" watches are distinguished by their bidirectional bezel and a locking button used to mark flight duration. In recent years they have achieved cult status, not least because actor Tom Hardy wore a replica in Christopher Nolan’s 2017 World War II epic Dunkirk. To this day it remains unclear how many of these watches survived the war, and most of the few known survivors are in poor condition.
The example at hand, however, is in outstanding, original vintage condition. The 33 mm stainless steel case features a screw-down back stamped with deep-etched military markings. The bidirectional bezel with 60-minute scale is likewise in excellent shape. Only the locking crown at 4 o’clock has been replaced. The silvered dial with black Arabic numerals, a central seconds hand, and a blued spade hand remains untouched.