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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

CWC RAF Chronograph Ref. 0552/924-3306

Partially verified

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.

A front-on view of the CWC RAF chronograph, showing the matte black dial, tritium indices, and Admiralty Grey NATO strap.
A front-on view of the CWC RAF chronograph, showing the matte black dial, tritium indices, and Admiralty Grey NATO strap. — Oliver & Clarke. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
oliverandclarke.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Cabot Watch Company
Reference
0552/924-3306
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1975
Source-reported place
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

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “It features a 39mm asymmetrical case, not dissimilar to that of what you'd find on a Speedmaster, complete with 'pump' pushers, a recessed crown, and a screw-down caseback.”
  • “Inside, the matte black dial features a very unusual 'gilt'-style of displaying the silver indices printing, with the exception of the 'CWC' text which is stamped.”
  • “The Tritium indices have developed an attractive and uniform patina from age”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “Powering this piece is a workhorse Valjoux Cal. 7733 manual-winding movement”
  • “comes fitted to a very appropriate 'Admiralty Grey' NATO strap.”
  • “the correct white-painted 'sword' handset is a later set replaced under contract service.”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “It has seemingly been spares of previous polishing, with nice defined finishing and shows normal wear throughout with clear military engravings on the caseback.”
  • “The piece that we have here is chronograph issued to the Royal Air Force dating to circa 1975.”

Open research questions

  • Can the specific issue date be narrowed using the caseback serial engraving?
  • Were the replacement sword hands sourced from a specific military contractor during the reported servicing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for CWC RAF Chronograph Ref. 0552/924-3306
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerCabot Watch Company“Cabot Watch Company, better known as CWC”
Reference0552/924-3306“CWC 'RAF' Chronograph Ref. 0552/924-3306”
Datecirca 1975“dating to circa 1975”
Case diameter39mm“39mm asymmetrical case”
MovementValjoux Cal. 7733“Valjoux Cal. 7733 manual-winding movement”
HandsetReplacement white-painted sword hands“correct white-painted 'sword' handset is a later set replaced under contract service.”

Visible details

  • 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

Research qualifications

  • The handset is reported by the seller to be a later replacement
  • The exact production date is approximate

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

Consulted source

CWC 'RAF' Chronograph Ref. 0552/924-3306 - Matte Black 'Gilt' Dial Unpolished

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 09f5845e93

Terms in this record

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

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