1982 CWC 0552 'Fab 4' Royal Navy issue chronograph
Lat year of Fab 4 issue - only Fab 4 with oval CWC logo
£2950.00
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 (from 1973-1982) and for one year only to 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.
This example, dating to 1982 is from the final year of Fab 4 issue and was issued as part of a Royal Navy contract. 1982 was the only year during which the Fab 4 dial was signed with the new style oval CWC logo, which makes the 1982 Fab 4 chronograph stand apart from the others. It is also a quite rare version with just 300 issued in 1982.
It is in good, clean condition with general wear to the case and back consistent with use and recently serviced, as detailed in the condition report. It is fitted with a black 20mm RAF type strap with fabric keeper.
The case and back are in good original condition with general marks and wear from use. The dial is in excellent condition. The hands are also excellent with the orginal buttery-coloured lume intact and in good condition, The hands frames and the sub dial hands are excellent. The crystal is a vintage replacement and unmarked. 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 in April 2026. 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 original mainspring was serviced and reinstated during service.
Amplitude is 330+ degrees, beat error is 0.0ms and accuracy is within a few seconds per day (on the bench, this may differ when worn - see section below on accuracy). 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 Navy (0552)
Date of manufacture: 1982
Movement: Valjoux 7733
Rarity: 300 issued
Diameter: 40mm
Lug width: 20mm
Hacking: No
Case back: Screw
Screwdown crown: No
Bracelet: Vintage 20mm black RAF type strap
1982 Royal Navy issue
Only 300 issued
Valjoux 7733 movement
Recently serviced
Very good condition
Supplied on 20mm RAF type strap
6 months non-waterproof guarantee
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