Seiko
chronographe pilote raf - Royal Air Force Gulf War

Quartz chronograph issued to Royal Air Force pilots between the 1980s and 2000s, this watch was worn by British aviators deployed across all theaters of operation during that time: the Gulf War (Iraq and Kuwait), Yugoslavia (under the UN peacekeeping mission FORPRONU), and beyond. After 1990, some helicopter pilots were also equipped with it. It stands as one of the last true Military Watches to be officially issued and field-used during active combat.

Military Watch — this 1986 Seiko Quartz model features a black dial with a 12-hour railroad-style scale and luminescent numerals enhanced with tritium, in accordance with British Ministry of Defence specifications and NATO Military Watch standards. It offers resistance to dust and water splashes and includes fixed lugs to prevent accidental loss during missions.

A historical detail: the “P” on the dial signifies the use of the luminescent compound Promethium instead of Tritium (a mildly radioactive substance previously used on dials).

The arrow stamped at the center of the caseback is the “Broad Arrow,” the British Crown’s property mark — a symbol historically found on the nail heads used in Royal Navy shipbuilding since the 16th century.

It's also worth noting that this watch was developed based on the Seiko Sports 150 model, revised to meet military specifications. It comes with its standard-issue RAF Grey-Green NATO strap (Phoenix), which also complies with NATO Mil. Specs.

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