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1979 CWC W10 6BB Royal Air Force issue

Fully serviced in our workshop

£895.00

The CWC W10 superseded the Hamilton W10 in as the standard MoD field watch and was produced from 1976-1980, when it was itself superseded by the quartz G10.

This type of watch is generally known as the 'W10' because the majority supplied were against Army contracts (around 25000 Hamilton versions in 1973 alone) with the army service code 'W10' marked on the back. The nickname is applied to all versions of these watches including the 1976-80 CWC version and the versions supplied against RAF and Royal Navy contracts, which (confusingly) have different services codes marked on the back.

The W10 has a solid stainless steel 'tonneau' (barrel-shaped) monocoque case, with no removable back. The movement, dial and hands are fitted and removed from the front (known as a 'front-loader'). To remove the movement the crystal has to be lifted off and the outer stem and crown detached.

The CWC W10 is powered by the reliable and accurate ETA 2750 hand winding 17 jewel mechanical movement with a different balance wheel to most civilian ETA 2750s and with hacking seconds.

This example is a 1979 Royal Air Force (6BB service code) issued watch. Just 2400 1979 6BB W10s were issued making this a rare watch, which is still both stylish and practical for daily wear.

This example is in very nice, clean condition and recently serviced, as detailed in the condition report and is fitted with a new 'faded grey' heat bonded 18mm NATO strap.

The monocoque case is in very good and clean cosmetic condition with minor marks and small knocks from use. The back is excellent. The dial and hands are in near mint condition. The crystal is the original with more squared shoulders and correct matte tension ring> the crystal has been polished and is in good condition but retains come marks from use. Please refer to the images to make your own judgement about the condition of the watch.

Mechanically the watch has just had full stripdown, clean and service, including new mainspring, in October 2026. The case was ultrasonically cleaned. The original CWC-signed ETA 2750 movement was fully stripped, with all parts cleaned and rinsed mechanically and ultrasonically in waterless solutions and hot air dried. The movement was reassembled, lubricated and regulated. The mainspring was replaced during service.

Amplitude is 270+ degrees, beat error is 0.0ms and accuracy is within +5 seconds per day (on the bench stable within +/- 2 seconds per day but this may differ when worn). The service was photo documented and images have been added to the listing, including an image of the watch on the timegrapher showing the readings. The watch hacks and adjusts correctly from the crown.

Please note that the design of this watch includes a split stem arrangement. If too much force is used when pulling the crown to hack or adjust the time it is possible to detach the outer stem and crown, so care should be taken. If the crown does detach it is not a major issue as it can easily be refitted.

The watch is absolutely suitable for everyday use, but it is vintage watch so is not recommended for sports or use in extreme conditions. The watch has not been pressure tested so water resistance is not guaranteed. This watch is covered by our non-waterproof 6 month guarantee.