Description

Why This Watch Matters

A classic pilot s watch, this Omega for the Royal Air Force would have seen wrist time during the Second World War as a Hydrographic Survey watch.

The Full Story

During the Second World War, the Royal Air Force called on a litany of manufacturers in order to outfit their service members with watches. This included Omega and the ref. 2292. The overall design of this watch was executed with Royal Air Force pilots and navigators in mind with an off-white dial, large blued steel hands, and a mid-case made of Duralumin. While the back is stainless steel, the special alloy of aluminium, copper, magnesium, and manganese of Duralumin has a more matte appearance and is less reflective. This allowed for less distraction in the cockpit where glare considerations are higher than on the battlefield.

The HS^8 engraving on the caseback is the official Royal Air Force distinction indicating that this particular style watch was issued to and used by Fleet Air Arm service members carrying out Hydrographic Survey missions.

Beyond being constructed of Duralumin, the case of Omega s ref. 2292 is notably shaped with elongated lugs, a distinctive feature of this Royal Air Force watch. This allows the small diameter of the case to wear a bit larger than one would think at nearly 38mm lug to lug. 

The Fine Print

Maker: Omega
Model: H.S. 8
Reference: 2292
Year: Early 1940s 
Case No: N A
Movement No: 9954626
Material: Duralumin mid-case with a stainless steel caseback
Dimensions: 32.5mm diameter; 11.5mm thickness
Crystal: Plexiglass
Lume: No 
Caliber: Omega, manually-wound, caliber 30T2 SC
Bracelet Strap: Vintage beige nylon single piece strap
Lug Width: 18mm (fixed spring bars) 
Box Papers: No

What We Love And What You Should Know 

Things We Love:

– Off-white dial and blued steel hands
– Elongated lugs with fixed spring bars
– Manufactured for the Royal Air Force

Things To Know:

– Scratches on case
– Light patina overall on dial
– Fixed spring bars 

This Omega is in very nice, honest condition. The case has some scratches and has been polished. The case shows signs of being opened on the side. The case has some light nicks. The text and numbers on the caseback are clearly visible. The caseback has some scratches.

The dial is in good condition with patina. There is a spot on the dial near the seven o clock marker. The hands show wear to the blued finish in some spots.

The crystal has scratches. The case, dial, and movement are all signed by Omega. This watch was photographed on a 175mm 6.9inch wrist.