1980 Newmark 6BB 'Fab 4' Royal Air Force issue chronograph
Very rare watch - only 500 produced
£5500.00
Out of stock
During the 1940-60s the MoD was supplied with a series of mechanical chronographs by Lemania. When the requirement to procure mechanical chronographs arose again in the late 1960s, the contract went to Hamilton, and from 1970 they supplied a watch based around the Valjoux 7733 movement, with a case manufactured by Breitling. Subsequent contracts to the same specification were let to CWC, Precista and Newmark. These four watches became known as the 'Fab 4'. They are all fundamentally the same, all using the Valjoux 7733 movement (although two versions) and the same design of case (with some variations, principally to the profile of the case back). Fab 4's were supplied under RAF (6BB) and Royal Navy (0552) contracts, and the Newmark version, produced for just one year in 1980, was supplied under an RAF contract with the 6BB service code marked on the back.
The Precista and Newmark versions are by far the rarest of the Fab 4s and the Newmark is the most sought after, with only around 500 produced, and these only come to market very occasionally.
This example is in very nice, clean condition and recently serviced, as detailed in the condition report and is fitted with a black 20mm vintage Phoenix strap.
At the time of listing there are two other examples for sale on eBay, both over £10,000 asking price, neither with any recent service history. The example offered here has some blemishes on the dial (although they are unobtrusive and the watch is still a stunner), so the price takes this into account and represents excellent value for money in comparison, along with the additional assurance of a documented full service.
The case and back are in good original condition with general minor marks from use. The dial overall makes a very good impression - the Newmark is maybe the most attractive of the Fab 4 dials - but as commented above, the dial paint has some blemishes which are visible in the images, notably between the 12 and 1 markers and to the bottom left of the minute counter sub-register. However, these are not very noticeable in use do not detract from the overall impression. The crystal is a new replacement and unmarked. The hands are in good condition. Please refer to the images to make your own judgement about the cosmetic condition of the watch.
Mechanically the watch had full a stripdown, clean and service, including new mainspring, in December 2024. The case was ultrasonically cleaned. The original Valjoux 7733 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.
The case and pushers were were also stripped and ultrasonically cleaned.
Amplitude is 330+ degrees, beat error is 0.1ms and accuracy is within a few seconds per day (on the bench, 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 winds and adjusts correctly from the crown.
The chronograph starts and stops correctly from the top pusher and resets to the markers from the bottom pusher.
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 and should not be considered water resistant. This watch is covered by our non-waterproof 6 month guarantee.
Issued: Yes
Issue details: UK, Royal Air Force
Date of manufacture: 1980
Movement: Valjoux 7733
Rarity: 500 issued
Diameter: 40mm
Lug width: 20mm
Hacking: No
Case back: Screw
Screwdown crown: No
Bracelet: Vintage 20mm black Phoenix NATO
Newmark Royal Air Force issue
Only 500 issued
Valjoux 7733 movement
Recently serviced
Very good condition
Supplied on vintage Phoenix 20mm NATO strap
6 months non-waterproof guarantee
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