Every watch has a story...

Vintage watches are more than just timepieces—they're links to history, each with its own story etched in scratches, faded dials, or worn straps. Every tick carries whispers of the past, moments in time, and craftsmanship that endures beyond decades.

The Rhodesian Airforce and a Speedmaster MKII

The Story of an Omaga Speedmaster that travelled over the speed of sound on more than one occasion

A watch, a Pilot and the Rhodesian Airforce

Below is a hand written “memoire” of a former Rhodesian Airforce pilot and his Omega Speedmaster MK2. Now living in South Africa and retired. Planes flown in his career include…..Percival Provest T52, De Havillard Vampire T11, The Trojan, Aloutte Helicopters and Hawker Hunter Jets. The speedmaster flew with him always and he speaks of it having traveled over MK1 and altitudes of 40000 feet. (He speaks of traveling over the English Channel at MK1 on more than one occasion) when he was selected to undergo British Aerospace Training. His total flying time with his Omega Speedmaster was 4300 hours.

I always like to keep watches like this in “as original” condition as possible. Not perfect, and shows its age and use. This was bought on its original Omega bracelet and was given to pilots with this bracelet, and not on NATO as often thought.
The Omega 861 movement prior to service. The hardened rubber gasket is always a challenge to remove once opened…and can also create its own challenges whe trying to open as it “melts” over time and acts as a glue.
An Allouette II helicopter used to patrol borders. I can’t quite see what the “Gunner” is wearing but it looks fairly large and substantial.
A Rhodesian pilot stands next to his De Havilland Vampire T11
Side by side sitting configuration in the De Havilland Vampire T11 (DH-115).
A Rhodesian Hawker Hunter FGA.9, painted with the Playboy logo for a publicity shot. Both pilots wearing their issued MKII Speedmasters
A 1976 newspaper suppliment to “Illustrated Life Rhodesia”. Looks like a recruitment article explaining the way of life and the benefits of joining the Rhodesian Airforce. Sounds pretty convincing to me!!
A 4-Squadron Pilot wearing his Speedmaster MkII on bracelet. I had to chuckle when i read the details on the award he is holding……I can only imagine what this was for and am thinking it wasnt good!

One Response

  1. admin says:
    December 20, 2024 at 12:26 pm

    Your opinions and information are always important. If you have any comments or info, please feel free to post….its always appreciated.

    Reply

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