RAF-C (1940)

Name: RAF-C (1940)
SKU: 1422
Price: 2750.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

Protectors of the sky

The RAF-C pays homage to the RAF at 100 years. Housed in a precision billet machined 316L stainless steel body with eight polished vertically cut ball-nose flutes and match machined ZW DSL lugs, the blue dial features a striking representation of the invasion stripes displayed on the underwing and empennage of British aircraft during various campaigns.

Recorded on the dial is the location and date of the first RAF Photo Reconnaissance (PR) squadron. The WW2 PR squadrons played an innovative and vitally important role in reconnoitering and photographing strategic positions ensuring that Britain stayed informed. Their skilled pilots flew long and dangerous missions deep into enemy territory in fast, unarmed high-altitude blue liveried aircraft. The dial is complimented by our simple SuperLuminova X1 aviation hour and minute hands and red tipped sweep.

RAF-C is powered by the beautiful ETA 2824 automatic movement ensuring it keeps perfect time. The radial brushed, pierced and engraved exhibition back and distinctive locking crown depict the form and elements of the iconic Supermarine Spitfire. The watch features an A/R coated front and rear crystal and is fitted with a custom ZW aerospace grade rubber strap, bespoke stainless steel pin buckle and is limited to only 100 builds.

We also handcraft our own leather straps in-house, If you would like to order an additional custom strap to go with you RAF-C please see our straps page

Delivery 2 weeks – Click here for info on purchasing outside the UK

Inc. VAT

£2,291.67 Exc. VAT

RAF-C-Black-strap-Zerro-West-M

“As the Royal Air Force commemorates 100 years, at Zero West we are proud to present our own very personal tribute to the RAF personnel past and present. They have all played their part in establishing, maintaining and serving in the finest of all Air Forces.”

Design Attributes

Latitude and Longitude reference Heston Aerodrome
Date code references the No:1 Photo Reconnaissance Unit
Invasion stripe dial design
Crown modelled on the joystick gun platform fire button
Half exhibition watch back display with technical drawing

of Spitfire

Case

44mm diameter, 316L brushed stainless steel billet, with eight polished vertically cut ball-nose flutes
Match machined, polished & brushed 316L stainless steel DSL lugs
Polished & brushed 316L stainless steel back with complex engraving and exhibition sapphire crystal window

Main Crown

Matt silver finished screw crown, modelled on the joystick gun platform fire button. 316L stainless steel with triple seal technology

Crystals

Custom double curved domed sapphire glass with blue AR coating on the internal surface

Movement

ETA 2824
28,800vph
25 jewels
Self-winding ball bearing rotor
Date function
Power reserve ~38 hours
Water resistance: 10ATM (100m) 100% tested

Dial

Blue enamel over brass substrate with over printed RAF invasion stripes and aviation indicators highlighted in SuperLuminova X1 luminous pigment.

Hands

White avionic style hands coated in SuperLuminova X1 luminous pigment.
Vintage red tipped sweep hand with inset SuperLuminova X1 luminous pigment triangle

Dimensions

44mm diameter
14.1mm thick
22mm lug width
49.6mm lug to lug pin spacing

Strap

22/20mm Zero West custom Military and aerospace grade cross-linked fluoroelastomer rubber. 1 fixed and 1 sliding keeper
Reverse sculptured relief
Matt finish
Brushed polished silver stainless steel buckle with engraved ZW logo

THE ROYAL AIRFORCE AT 100 YEARS

Painting invasion stripes on a WWII spitfire

The RAF is the oldest independent air force in the world and was established 100 years ago during WW1. It has existed from then until now playing major roles in protecting Britain through wartime and peacetime. During the summer of 1940 in WW2 it played a major role in holding off the Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain, and in doing so arguably prevented the invasion of Britain.

Over its 100 year history it has seen service in all parts of the world including policing the empire during the 1920’s, the Cold war from 1947 to 1990, the falklands War 1982, The Gulf War 1990 to 2000 and latterly, the war on terror from 2001.

Typhoon jet with invasion stripes, side on in black and white

Today the RAF continues to defend our skies both at home and around the globe and is actively engaged in many missions on four continents. It is equipped with state-of-the-art aircraft and technology and employs over 32 thousand of the finest personnel to maintain it’s presence as one of the finest air forces in the world. At it’s peak during WW2, there were over one million personnel in the RAF.

“Founded during WW1 on the 1^stApril 1918, the Royal Air Force is the oldest air force in the world and it continues to play a vital role in every aspect of protecting Britain, which it has done supremely over its 100 year history.”