Omega 6B/159 1943 Issue

The Omega Reference 6B/159 is a historically significant military wristwatch produced for the British Royal Air Force (RAF). Its story unfolds in two distinct phases. The original version, manufactured circa 1943 during World War II, featured a chrome-plated Duralumin alloy case (approx. 33mm), a highly legible white or silvered dial with blued hands, and the robust Omega Calibre 30T2 SC manual-wind movement with center seconds. These watches were essential navigational tools for RAF pilots and navigators, bearing specific Air Ministry (A.M.) markings. Due to the wartime case material’s lack of durability, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) initiated a refurbishment program in 1956, re-casing surplus original movements into new, larger (36mm) and more durable stainless steel cases made by the British manufacturer Dennison. These 1956 re-issues typically featured MoD replacement dials (often black with luminous markings) and received updated case back engravings. The 6B/159 specification was also fulfilled by other manufacturers like Longines and Jaeger-LeCoultre, highlighting its importance. Both the rare WWII originals and the more robust 1956 re-issues are highly collectible, valued for their military provenance, connection to the esteemed Cal. 30T2, and tangible link to RAF history.  

Specifications

Variations and Key Features

The Omega 6B/159 exists in two primary, distinct iterations due to the post-war re-casing program.

1. Original WWII Issue (c. 1943):

• Case: ~33mm diameter, made from chrome-plated Duralumin alloy. Features long, fixed 18mm lug bars and a snap-on case back. Prone to wear and lug damage due to the softer alloy.  
• Dial: High-legibility frosted white or silvered dials with black Arabic numerals and a clear minute track. Signed “Omega.”  
• Hands: Blued steel hands (often ‘spade’ style) for contrast against the light dial. Features a sweep center seconds hand.  
• Movement: Omega Calibre 30T2 SC (16 jewels, manual-wind, center seconds).  
• Markings: Case back engraved with Broad Arrow (pheon), “A.M.” (Air Ministry), “6B/159”, and issue number/year (e.g., /43).  
• Crown: Typically a simple, unsigned military-style crown.  

2. 1956 Re-Issue:

• Case: Larger 36mm diameter case made from durable stainless steel by the British case maker Dennison. Features a more water-resistant screw-down case back and fixed lug bars (often 17mm width).  
• Dial: Utilized original movements but often fitted with MoD replacement dials. Most commonly matte black with white numerals and luminous (radium or tritium) markers for night legibility. A rarer white dial variant with blued hands also exists. Dial refinishing reportedly done by Bill & Sons.  
• Hands: Matched the dial – luminous hands for the black dial, blued steel hands for the white dial.  
• Movement: The original Omega Calibre 30T2 SC salvaged from the WWII stock.  
• Markings: Case back engraved with updated military markings, including “A.M.”, “6B/159”, a new issue number, and the re-issue year “/56”.  
• Crown: Often fitted with a signed Omega crown, possibly during the refurbishment or later service.  

Movement (Omega Calibre 30T2 SC):

• Type: Manual-winding, 16-jewel movement from Omega’s highly respected 30mm family.  
• Features: Center sweep seconds hand (“SC”), known for accuracy, robustness, and serviceability. Approx. 44-hour power reserve.  
• Significance: A cornerstone movement for Omega, its reliability proven in both military service and chronometer trials. Its use in the 6B/159 highlights the RAF’s requirement for high-precision timekeeping.  

Additional Information

Historical Context: The 6B/159 specification was critical for the RAF during WWII, providing essential navigational wristwatches for pilots and navigators. The need for reliable timepieces led the Air Ministry to contract multiple high-quality manufacturers, including Omega, Longines, and Jaeger-LeCoultre. The initial use of alloy cases reflects wartime material priorities, while the 1956 re-casing program demonstrates post-war pragmatism, prioritizing durability and salvaging excellent movements.  

Collectibility: Both versions of the Omega 6B/159 are highly collectible military timepieces.

• WWII Originals: Valued for historical purity and rarity, especially in good, unmodified condition. The Duralumin case fragility makes well-preserved examples scarce.  
• 1956 Re-issues: Offer greater durability and wearability due to the larger Dennison steel case. The MoD black dial is particularly sought after. These represent a unique piece of military procurement history, combining Swiss movements with British cases.  
• Key Factors: Condition (case sharpness, dial integrity, lume consistency), originality of parts (hands, crown), and clear, correct military markings are crucial for value.  

The Omega 6B/159, in both its forms, stands as a testament to Omega’s contribution to military horology and the enduring quality of the Calibre 30T2 movement.