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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Manual-wind chronograph

CWC British Military RAF Pilots Chronograph (1981)

Partially verified

This CWC military-issue chronograph is a stainless steel manual-wind wristwatch dating to 1981, produced for use by the British Royal Air Force. The watch is constructed with a 38.5mm brushed stainless steel case housing a Valjoux 7733 movement. The black dial features luminous Arabic numerals and hands, a running seconds subdial, and a 30-minute register. A prominent Broad Arrow symbol, indicating British military property, is located beneath the CWC signature on the dial. The case back bears the specific military issue engraving "B043/81." The watch is fitted with an olive NATO strap, and the documentation notes an additional navy blue NATO-style strap is included. This information is derived from an auction listing archive, which notes the specific case back designation of this example.

The CWC British military issue RAF Pilots Chronograph, showcasing the black dial with dual subdials and Broad Arrow emblem.
The CWC British military issue RAF Pilots Chronograph, showcasing the black dial with dual subdials and Broad Arrow emblem. — Auction house “Hill Auction Gallery”, via Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Wristwatch · Manual-wind chronograph
Maker / attribution
CWC
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1981
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
B043/81

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

Case and Dial Configuration

The watch is housed in a brushed stainless steel case measuring approximately 38.5mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The exterior design focuses on military utility, prioritizing legibility as required for pilot applications.

The dial is finished in black and features luminous Arabic numerals. It includes two subdials: one for running seconds and a second acting as a 30-minute register. The dial is printed with the CWC signature and the Broad Arrow emblem.

Evidence for this section
  • “brushed stainless steel case measuring approximately 38.5mm in diameter excluding the crown”
  • “black dial equipped with luminous Arabic numerals and hands”
  • “one for running seconds and another functioning as a 30-minute register”
  • “dial is prominently marked with the "Broad Arrow" emblem”

Movement and Identification

The timepiece is powered by a manual wind movement, specifically the Valjoux 7733 caliber.

The watch serves as a military issue piece, specifically for the RAF. The case back provides identification through an engraving of the military designation 'B043/81', which serves to classify the individual unit within the issue series.

Evidence for this section
  • “operates on a manual wind movement, identified as the Valjoux 7733”
  • “The case back is specifically engraved with the military issue designation "B043/81.”
  • “British military issue chronograph wristwatch”

Accessories and Condition

The watch is provided with an olive NATO strap. An additional navy blue NATO-style strap is included as part of the total assembly provided by the source.

The object is documented through an auction listing, which notes the specifications of this specific example including the markings and physical dimensions. The record status is partial, reflecting the nature of the historical documentation provided.

Evidence for this section
  • “This timepiece comes with an olive NATO strap, with an additional navy blue NATO-style strap included.”
  • “Described from a single auction-house listing”

Open research questions

  • Are there official service records associated with the B043/81 issue number?
  • What specific contract year corresponds to the B043/81 serial designation?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for CWC British Military RAF Pilots Chronograph (1981)
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerCWC“CWC brand name”
Date1981“dates to 1981”
Case materialbrushed stainless steel“brushed stainless steel case”
MovementValjoux 7733“identified as the Valjoux 7733”
Issue markB043/81“The case back is specifically engraved with the military issue designation "B043/81.”
Functionsrunning seconds and 30-minute register“one for running seconds and another functioning as a 30-minute register”
EmblemBroad Arrow“emblem, a signifier of British military property”

Visible details

  • Luminous coating on numerals and hands
  • Dual subdial configuration
  • Broad Arrow emblem present on dial
  • Brushed finish on stainless steel case

Research qualifications

  • Classification of this specimen as fully established is noted as partial by the source
  • Provenance beyond the auction listing is not provided

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

Consulted source

CWC 1981 British Military RAF Pilots Chronograph

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record c718d9be3d

Terms in this record

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

Other manual-wind chronograph records