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1982 CWC 0552 'Fab 4' Royal Navy/Fleet Air Arm issue chronograph

Lat year of Fab 4 issue - only Fab 4 with oval CWC logo

£3150.00

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 to the Fleet Air Arm 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. There is a small darker spot on the dial between the 1 and 2 markers which is visible in the images but not obtrusive. The hands are also excellent with the original 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 320+ 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

The accuracy rate documented in this listing is not guaranteed. The images and figures quoted represent the accuracy recorded at the time of regulation, with the watch dial up and at minimum of two-thirds fully wound. This is a snapshot recorded on the timegrapher machine and has not been verified over a measured 24 hour period against a datum. Although the watch has been serviced as described, and although we do our best to ensure that the watch performs as well as possible and within acceptable limits for a watch of the type and age, it is not a new watch and it has not been restored to 'as new' condition. Accuracy subsequent to sale and in use may differ significantly from the figures shown. This is a vintage watch and is unlikely to perform to the same standards as a new or more modern watch and is sold on this basis. If you are expecting the watch to perform to the same standards as a new watch then please take this into consideration before purchasing. Performance can be also affected by many factors, such as magnetism, environmental conditions or handling during transit which are out of our control.