Details
Waltham RAF Navigator Watch – Caliber 870 – 18 Jewel – Dennison Solid Gold Case – c. 1940s
Thank you for dropping by. I have a most unusual and rare timepiece for you today — a true crossroad of American precision watchmaking and British wartime history.
This is a Waltham Caliber 870, a movement produced only briefly from 1940–1941. While most were 17 jewels, this one carries an extra jewel for the center sweep hand, making it an 18-jewel rarity. Collectors of RAF-issued timepieces will recognize this as an unusual survivor of the Waltham Premier Mk8 / 6B/234 series, built to strict military navigator specifications.
⸻
Why This Watch Is Special
• Rare Caliber 870 / 18 Jewels: Produced for only a narrow window (1940–41). The additional jewel makes this an extremely scarce variation.
• RAF Navigator Dial: Signed Waltham USA with correct wartime styling, professionally restored to original spec.
• Dennison Solid 9ct Gold Case: Not a common steel navigator watch — but a hallmarked solid gold British-made Dennison case (anchor hallmark for Birmingham, “9” and “375” for 9k purity, “W” date code for 1946). This elevates its collectibility dramatically.
• Historic RAF Connection: These movements were made for the British Air Ministry under the 6B/234 designation. Some never saw service and were later re-cased for the civilian market — but this example retains its RAF dial, correct hands, and a highly collectible gold case.
• Partnership Heritage: Dennison was the chosen case maker for not only Waltham but also Rolex, Omega, and other top suppliers to the British military.
⸻
Technical Details
• Manufacturer: American Waltham Watch Co., Waltham, Massachusetts
• Movement: Caliber 870 – 18 Jewels – sweep seconds
• Production: 1940–1941
• Case: Dennison solid 9 carat gold, hallmarked Birmingham 1946 (“W” date code)
• Dial: RAF navigator style, Waltham USA signed, professionally restored
• Hands: Original blued steel, excellent condition, with original center sweep seconds hand
• Crystal: Original, light surface scratches consistent with age
• Crown: Large original crown with light plate wear
• Size: 28 mm (excluding crown)
• Condition: Winds smoothly, hands adjust correctly, runs for 16+ hours per wind, gains time (likely needs a service due to age and long storage).
⸻
Historical Context
During WWII, Waltham supplied precision navigator watches to the British Air Ministry under the 6B/234 designation, part of the RAF’s critical timekeeping equipment for navigation. Most examples were cased in steel, but this watch represents a rare and prestigious variation: a gold Dennison case paired with Waltham’s rare 18-jewel Caliber 870 movement. It is both a military artifact and a gentleman’s wristwatch of distinction.
⸻
✨ Collector’s Note
This is not your ordinary WWII navigator’s watch. The combination of the RAF dial, rare 18-jewel Caliber 870, and the solid gold Dennison case makes it one of the most desirable Waltham military watches you’re likely to encounter. Many of these watches were lost, re-cased, or stripped over the years — to find one in this condition, with its history intact, is exceptional. It would make a worthy addition to any serious collection of WWII or RAF timepieces.