Forstner Pilot Ref. F-6B/346

One of the most recognizable pilot watch designs of all time, the reference 6B/346 has an incredible history, to say the least.  During the 1940s, the British Ministry of Defense ("MOD") released a series of watch specifications (called the 6B/346) for "a highly accurate time-piece, suitable for astro navigation purposes."  

The specification required a matte black dial “marked with Arabic numerals from 1 to 12,”  minute markings “in white, with the exception of the four cardinal graduations, which are luminized,” a center-sweep seconds hand, stainless steel case, screw-down case back, water proofing (up to only 20ft at the time), and an inner soft iron shield to protect against magnetism (among other requirements).  Certain of the watches were fitted with a bonklip-style bracelet under Ref. 6B/2763, just like the Forstner Klip.  

Several storied brands, most famously IWC and JLC, supplied watches to the MOD under this spec.  Forstner has released its own interpretation of this classic reference, under the Ref. F-6B/346, matching the design of the original but including modern features such as 100m WR.