Clock · Cockpit dashboard clock

Air Ministry WW2 Airplane Cockpit Clock

Partially verified

This Air Ministry WW2 airplane cockpit dashboard clock carries military markings including stores reference 6A/1002 and date reference 10451/44. Housed in a powder-coated aluminium alloy case with corner mounting flanges, it features a 1-day manual-wind movement operated by rotating the fluted bezel. Hand setting is controlled via a spring-loaded lever located at the lower corner. The black dial displays white Arabic numerals alongside luminous indicators, dummy time-of-trip hands, and a central setting knob. The seller notes that while the clock displays no maker signatures, it is attributed to Smiths.

Three-quarter oblique view of the cockpit clock showing the bezel, black dial, red dummy hands, and mounting plate — Vintage Watch Specialist. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: vintagewatchspecialist.com
Category: Clock · Cockpit dashboard clock
Maker / attribution: Smiths
Reference: 6A/1002
Catalogue / lot identifier: vws2067
Source-reported date: c. 1944
Country: United Kingdom

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Identity and Attribution

The item is described by the seller as an Air Ministry WW2 airplane cockpit dashboard clock. It is catalogued under Stores Ref. 6A/1002 and reportedly bears an Air Ministry ('A.M.') marked backplate carrying a date reference of 10451/44, pointing to circa 1944.

While attributed to Smiths in the dealer's listing, the source explicitly clarifies that the object displays no markings indicating this maker. The identification is reported solely as the opinion of the seller's watchmaker.

Evidence for this section

“A genuine original cockpit clock with military engravings, including the Stores Ref. 6A/1002 .”
“The backplate is A.M. (Air Ministry) marked and has a date reference 10451/44.”
“He has also advised that this is more than likely a Smiths clock; however, it displays no markings to this effect.”

Casing and Display

The case is crafted from powder-coated aluminium alloy metal. Observations note black coated aluminium housing with visible edge wear and paint loss exposing bare metal, along with a transparent crystal displaying a visible crack across the face, which the seller states occurred in storage.

The black dial features white Arabic numerals described by the seller as part luminous, alongside dummy hands used for setting the 'time of trip'. Direct observation confirms a black dial with Arabic numerals, a central adjustment knob, and red trip hands.

Evidence for this section

“The case is crafted from powder-coated aluminium alloy metal; it does have some wear, but nothing we wouldn't expect to see.”
“Black coated aluminium housing with visible edge wear and paint loss exposing bare metal”
“Visible crack across the transparent crystal”
“The dummy hands are present for setting the 'time of trip'.”
“Black dial with Arabic numerals, central adjustment knob, and red trip hands”

Movement and Operational Controls

The instrument incorporates a 7-jewel mechanical self-starting keyless 1-day movement equipped with a centre second hand. The seller reports manual winding functionality operated by rotating the fluted bezel.

To set the hands, the operator presses a spring-loaded lever projecting from the lower right corner while simultaneously rotating the bezel.

Evidence for this section

“Featuring a self-starting keyless 1-day movement with a centre second hand, the clock is wound by rotating the bezel and the hands are set by pressing a spring-loaded lever projecting from the lower right corner whilst rotating the bezel.”
“Jewels 7j”
“Fluted knurled bezel designed for manual winding”

Open research questions

What specific stamped nomenclature, broad arrow stamps, or serial details are visible on the reverse backplate to verify the reported Air Ministry marking and date reference 10451/44?
Does inspection of the internal 7-jewel movement plates confirm a Smiths caliber designation or another contemporary British instrument maker?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Air Ministry WW2 Airplane Cockpit Clock
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Stores Reference	6A/1002	“Stores Ref. 6A/1002”
Case Material	Powder-coated aluminium alloy	“powder-coated aluminium alloy metal”
Date Reference	10451/44	“date reference 10451/44”
Movement	Self-starting keyless 1-day mechanical movement with 7 jewels	“self-starting keyless 1-day movement”
Jewel Count	7 jewels	“Jewels 7j”
Reported Associated Aircraft Types	Ansons, Battles, Beaufighters, Spitfires, Beauforts, Sunderlands, Austers, Lancasters, and Mosquitos	“This type of clock was used in the likes of Ansons, Battles, Beaufighters, some Spitfires, Beauforts, Sunderlands, Austers, Lancasters and Mosquitos.”

Visible details

Black coated aluminium housing with visible edge wear and paint loss exposing bare metal
Black dial with Arabic numerals, central adjustment knob, and red trip hands
Fluted knurled bezel designed for manual winding
Visible crack across the transparent crystal

Research qualifications

The maker attribution to Smiths is based on seller watchmaker assessment and lacks visible dial or case signatures
The seller notes that the crystal cracked while in storage
The backplate markings mentioned in the text are not visible in the provided images

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Air Ministry WW2 - Airplane Cockpit Clock - 6A/1002 - c.1944 – Vintage Watch Specialist

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record de4daa3ccc

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.