Omega British Military RAF 2777-1 SC - Fat Arrow

The Omega “Fat Arrow” is a wristwatch issued by the British Air Ministry (RAF). Its official reference is 2777-1 SC. The watch was manufactured in 1952 strictly according to Air Ministry specifications and delivered exclusively to the Royal Air Force in 1953 – for one year only. In total, just 5,900 examples were produced for the RAF, making well-preserved specimens increasingly rare today.

Designed as a robust military tool watch, it is waterproof, antimagnetic, and powered by the shock-protected Caliber 283. The exceptional level of antimagnetism was essential to ensure reliable performance during flight operations.

Early versions were originally fitted with radium lume. Due to safety concerns, however, the RAF ordered a recall of the watches. Omega subsequently replaced the dials and hands with tritium and marked this transition with the distinctive “Fat Arrow”, replacing the earlier “Thin Arrow” and indicating the safer luminous material.

The present 1953 example is offered in excellent original condition. The high-contrast black dial with crisp white printing is beautifully preserved. The original luminous plots have aged to an attractive vanilla-colored patina, perfectly matching the lume of the bold sword hands. The iconic Fat Arrow at 6 o’clock, together with the Omega logo and tritium marking at 12 o’clock, completes the dial.

The case features deep and clearly defined military engravings on the case back and impresses with well-balanced proportions. Robust, comfortable, and purpose-built as a true tool watch, it runs reliably and wears well on the wrist.

A historically significant timepiece and an outstanding addition to any discerning collection.

Condition report
Dial: exceptionally preserved matte black dial – original tritium with attractive vanilla patina – bold Fat Arrow at 6 o’clock and circled “T” at 12 o’clock.

Case: 37 mm stainless steel case in excellent condition – light signs of wear – full profile with crisp lines – deep military engravings on the case back: 6645-101000, 6B/542, 55xx/53 – fixed bars – screw-down case back.

Movement: hand-wound Omega Caliber 283 – timegrapher results: rate +20 s/day, amplitude 200°, beat error 1.3 ms.

Movement number: 13056xxx

Int.Exe.: 54325