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Aerotel Reference 345 (V71) -- A Pilot's Watch

This one arrived yesterday, so tonight it sat for portraits.

A few observations about the watch:

  • It appears to be the same as the Heuer Reference 345; 14 Ligne (Valjoux 71); oval pushers
  • Notice the engraving on the back, referring to a "Flying Officer" and including his name and serial number, as well as the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) and a very small broad arrow. I believe that this was not issued by the RCAF, but rather was purchased privately.
  • The movement is an early Valjoux 71, with fifteen (15) jewels, and the "Ed. Heuer" in script . . . there is no serial number on the movement
It looks rough, but is running very well . . . yes, it's a "survivor", probably over 70 years old . . . proof that well made steel will last a long time!!

You can see a lot more photos of this watch HERE.

I am still trying to learn more about Aerotel . . . I have found photos of several samples, all with the same script on the bridge.

Also interesting that we have seen several three register chronographs purchased by soldiers in the 1940s, most famously the 18 karat gold one in the TAG Heuer Museum, engraved for Mike Levin, Basel, 1946. These chronographs were definitely a favorite keepsake of the pilots.

Jeff

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