Description:
Case dimensions: 6cm x 3.5cm, case probably made of some brushed metal. There is a normal crown on the side, with which the mechanical movement can be wound and set, and a pusher at the top, which also overcomes a noticeable resistance when pressed, but no function is discernible.
On the front, the British "Broad Arrow" of the Royal Airforce is clearly visible, as well as the engraving: REF. No 14$/4345,
the number 395142 is also visible on the screwed case back.
The presumably metal case consists of a ground block; nothing is inserted or screwed in. The screw-down case back is made of stainless steel and has a number.
The black dial has an indirect second hand, as is actually known from the service watches of the Wehrmacht in World War II, and is centrally semi-circularly ground, possibly/presumably to prevent light reflections in the cockpit or to improve readability in combat.
Inside is a gold-plated mechanical movement with the rare inscription "Made in England". It is nowhere evident what the upper pusher, with its built-in resistance in the block case, is for.
We are grateful to every eBay member and expert for any hint or idea as to what kind of watch this is, where it was installed, and what it did. We will publish every hint immediately here in the auction description.
AI says about this model:
A British military instrument, more precisely a cockpit or panel clock module, which is apparently removable. The most important clues are directly on the case:
• The Broad Arrow (↟) – typical for British military material, used by the War Department / Ministry of Defence.
• REF No 14A/4345 – the format perfectly matches the old British Stores Reference System, where "14A" refers to the category Aircraft Instruments.
The object is therefore not a wristwatch part, but an aviation clock module that was inserted into an aircraft or helicopter panel.
What can be seen in the picture
– Compact metal case with release button on the left
– Recessed analog clock with 12-hour scale
– Small sub-dial at approx. 3 o'clock (presumably seconds hand or stop mechanism)
– The clock looks like types used in British aircraft from the 1950s–1970s.
What "14A/4345" means
"14A" = British air force category for Aircraft Instruments
"4345" = specific spare part or equipment specification number
This identifies it as an RAF (Royal Air Force) Aircraft Clock Unit.
Presumed use
Such modules were often installed in: – Fighter jets
– Training aircraft
– Onboard navigation panels
– Avionics panels
and could be quickly removed and replaced by maintenance personnel.
