CWC RAF Chronograph Ref. 0552/924-3306
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1975
This Cabot Watch Company (CWC) chronograph is an issued timepiece produced for the Royal Air Force, dating to approximately 1975. The watch features a 39mm asymmetrical steel case equipped with pump-style pushers and a recessed crown.
Internally, it is powered by a Valjoux Caliber 7733 manual-winding movement. The matte black dial displays silver printed indices, with the exception of the stamped 'CWC' lettering and a military broad arrow symbol. Tritium-based luminous material on the indices has developed a uniform patina. The watch is presented on an Admiralty Grey NATO strap. The auction description notes that the white-painted sword handset is a replacement installed during contract servicing.
The case shows signs of wear and is described as retaining defined finishing, with specific military-issued engravings present on the screw-down caseback.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Date
- circa 1975
- Type
- Chronograph
- Maker
- Cabot Watch Company
- Handset
- Replacement white-painted sword hands
- Movement
- Valjoux Cal. 7733
- Reference
- 0552/924-3306
- Case diameter
- 39mm
- Place recorded
- United Kingdom
- Maker / attribution
- Cabot Watch Company
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is housed in a 39mm stainless steel case featuring an asymmetrical silhouette, often compared to contemporary sports chronographs. The case design includes a recessed winding crown and two pump-style pushers positioned on the right flank. The rear of the watch is sealed with a screw-down caseback, which contains military engraving identifiers according to the source description. The dial has a matte black finish. It utilizes silver printing for the indices, while the 'CWC' brand name is applied via stamping. A prominent feature is the military broad arrow symbol located below the brand text. The luminous indices are treated with tritium, which has aged to create a uniform patina across the dial surface.
- Visible features
- • Asymmetrical case design with pushers on the right side • Matte black dial with silver printed indices and broad arrow symbol • Admiralty Grey nylon NATO strap • White-painted sword hands
- Movement and Equipment
- The chronograph is driven by the Valjoux Caliber 7733, a manual-winding movement identified by the vendor as a workhorse mechanism. This movement provides the base functionality for the watch's timing capabilities. The timepiece is provided with a grey-colored NATO-style strap, designated as 'Admiralty Grey'. The watch is reported to have undergone contract servicing at some point in its history, during which the original handset was substituted with the current white-painted sword-style hands visible in the photographs.
- Condition and Attribution
- According to the auction report, the watch has not undergone significant polishing and maintains defined edges and finishing on the case surfaces. It exhibits signs of consistent usage, which are categorized as normal wear. The piece is attributed to the Royal Air Force based on the provided reference number and military-style engraving on the caseback. The manufacturer, CWC, was founded by Ray Mellor in 1972, with a focus on producing military-grade timepieces to Ministry of Defence requirements.
Identification
- Reference
- 0552/924-3306
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The handset is reported by the seller to be a later replacement
- Research required: The exact production date is approximate