Newmark 6BB RAF Chronograph Flies British Flag For Military Aviation Watches

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Specifically issued to Royal Air Force pilots in 1980, combining form, function and bags of ruggedness, we review the Newmark 6BB RAF Chronograph. Oozing vintage vibes that might put a Tudor Black Bay in its place, with bicompax design and a touch of modernity, this asymmetrical piece is ready to take to the skies one more time.

In Brief

Taking nearly two years to produce from initial concept to final design, this military watch stems back to 1969, with the British MOD’s need for a chronograph with the design language DEFSTAN 66-4 (Part 2)
With only 500 watches constructed, the time came in 1980 for the Royal Air Force to allocate this novelty to aircrew members from Vulcan, Harrier and Sea-King.
After an initial Kickstarter campaign in August 2018, which surpassed three times the financial goal of £25,000, the reissue of this former pilot stalwart piece took off with timekeeping gusto.
Blending functionality, value and a sharp asymmetrical look, the revamped Newmark 6BB RAF Chronograph was born, with several characteristics, ensuring it’s a punchy everyday driver.
Featuring a 316L stainless steel case, a “Goldilocks” 39.5mm diameter, bicompax layout and matte black dial, they are ready for take off like a Breitling Navitimer B01 43 Boeing 747.
As the brand marks its 150th year anniversary this year, making it only 10 years younger than Zenith (1865) and 30 years older than, ahem, Rolex (1905) founded in London, there are exciting things to come from the iconic chronograph.

Ah, the renaissance of an old British legend…

Gladiator Cast

The return of an old classic? Source: Radio Times

With the return on the BBC of Gladiators for a second series and a third one in the pipeline for 2026, the nation has been gripped around our tellyboxes every Saturday evening…albeit barring Britain’s Got Talent

Today though, we have another potential nations favourite that’s taking centre stage. No, not King Charles III, Wimbledon or Wallace & Gromit. Not even close.

We are talking about The Newmark 6BB RAF Chronograph.

One of the rarest, asymmetrical types of watches of its time, like the newly updated programmes we all used to watch in our droves such as Bullseye and Bergerac, is it any good a second time round?

Newmark Watch

With more vintage vibes than a Vivienne Westwood dress at London Fashion Week, there is plenty of functionality, high legibility and sapphire domed crystal on the horological menu. And for way, way under £5,000.

LEARN MORE: Here's Our Best Men's Watches Under £5,000 For The Ultimate Flexer

How about £500? Talk is cheap as they say. But at these wallet-friendly prices and historical importance, given Newmark were part of the “Fab Four” providing watches to the British Armed Forces, you could say they are an excellent timekeeping contender.

For King and country: Source, Semper Fidelis on Freepik

And when you obtain the seal of approval from former Wing Commander Mel James OBE, responsible for engineering during the Falklands campaign, you know you’re onto the right track…or should that be runway.

We don’t have a moment to waste.

It’s time to taxi for takeoff, as we uncover everything you need to know about the brand before deep diving into our review of the Newmark 6BB RAF Chronograph

Unlike Britain's Got Talent, there’s no need for an audition to prove their stage presence…

Defying Gravity

No, this is not in relation to the 2025 Oscars where "Wicked" costume designer Paul Tazewell made history as the first Black man to win a gong for Best Costume Design.

Wickeds Elphaba

Flight of fancy. And the award for best military watch under £500 goes to…source: NBC

FIND OUT MORE: Luxury Watch Spotting At The 2025 Oscars

Nor do we have time to harp on about director Jon M. Chu, who channeled the Emerald City in a green suit. However, this piece has status to rival Anora’s five awards…with extra sparkle of aviator roots to boot.

Why do I say this? Hang on a tick…

Turns out this lot may be the OG of military watches, given their heritage that’s as rich as Warren Buffett. But to go forward, we must turn back time and start at the beginning. Hold your horses Marty McFly. We don’t need any Delorean for this timekeeping tale.

Ewan Wilson

Since the dawn of time (well almost), man has been relentless in the pursuit of the perfect chronograph.

Try saying that after a few Gimlets on the town.

Newmark 6BB Watch

And we aint talking about the 2025 Studio Underdog x Fears collab that was the highlight of this year’s British Watchmakers Day.

Rather the former reviver of Newmark who acquired it in 2016, Cheltenham based Ewan Wilson, who lived a stone’s throw from many aviation bases and points of interest like RFC Rendcomb.

Chairman Wade Newmark

It’s a family affair

Now back in the hands of Chairman Wade, after the brand announced Newmark had been returned to the family, after the careful stewardship of Ewan Wilson, it has led to the relaunch of their trio of timepieces, featuring the 6BB, Waterking and the 71, delivering excellent value for money.

Time for a little history first, followed by the brand’s epic role in aviation watches, before we get stuck into our review of the Newmark 6BB RAF Chronograph.

Cheltenham’s Role In World War II

During World War II, the city became a significant centre for military operations.

The town was home to a number of military establishments, including air force bases and Army training centers. Given its proximity to the Midlands and its transport links, Cheltenham was strategically important for both military planning and wartime logistics.

RAF Cheltenham: The town was home to the Royal Air Force (RAF), with various air bases used for training, operations, and logistics. These included RAF Innsworth, which served as a key location for the RAF during the war.

Civilian and Military Cooperation: During WWII, the town also supported several other defense-related efforts, from housing military personnel to contributing to the national war effort through the provision of munitions and supplies.

RFC Rendcomb: A Historic Airfield and Its Legacy

Close to Newmark’s former owner Ewan Wilson’s location, Rendcomb Airfield, located near the village of Rendcomb in Gloucestershire, has a long and distinguished history, particularly during the early to mid-20th century.

Known primarily for its connection to the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and later the Royal Air Force (RAF), the airfield played a significant role in the development of aviation in the UK, especially during World War I and World War II.

1. Early Beginnings and the Establishment of RFC Rendcomb

Rendcomb Airfield's association with military aviation began during World War I when the British Army established a Royal Flying Corps (RFC) station at Rendcomb. The RFC, which was the air arm of the British Army at the time, required airfields to support its rapidly growing operations.

Royal Flying Corps

Source: National Army Museum

Royal Flying Corps (RFC) Formed in 1912, it became a crucial part of the British military during World War I, providing reconnaissance, air superiority, and bombing capabilities. In the early stages of the war, the RFC relied on airfields like Rendcomb to train pilots and maintain aircraft.

The airfield at Rendcomb was strategically located in Gloucestershire, which allowed it to support the RFC's operations, including pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and staging of aircraft for missions.

Its proximity to the Midlands and other key military centers made it a useful asset for the Royal Flying Corps.

2. World War I And Training Operations

During World War I, RFC Rendcomb was primarily used for training purposes. The airfield served as one of the many bases where new pilots were trained to fly aircraft that would be used in combat operations over the Western Front.

Training at the time was rigorous, and the airfields, including Rendcomb, played a vital role in preparing aviators for the challenges they would face in the skies.

As World War I progressed, the RFC expanded its operations, and the need for more airfields became critical. Rendcomb was one of many that were established or repurposed to accommodate the growing demand for air power, and it became an integral part of the war effort.

3. Post-World War I And The RAF

The RAF continued to use Rendcomb for various training and operational purposes in the years following the war.

During the interwar period, however, the airfield became less active in terms of military operations, as many of the RFC's bases were either decommissioned or repurposed for civilian use.

Nevertheless, Rendcomb remained a symbol of the early days of military aviation and continued to contribute to the RAF's growing infrastructure.

4. World War II And RAF Rendcomb

No. 17 Squadron RAF:During World War II, Rendcomb served as a base for several RAF squadrons. Notably, No. 17 Squadron RAF operated from Rendcomb. This squadron was tasked with training aircrews in different forms of
aircraft operations, including the use of light bombers and reconnaissance aircraft.

The strategic importance of Rendcomb was heightened during the war, as it was used for key training operations and played a part in the RAF's defensive and offensive strategies, particularly during the Battle of Britain and in the campaigns that followed.

RFC Rendcomb, later known as RAF Rendcomb, is a significant chapter in the history of British military aviation.

From its early days supporting the Royal Flying Corps during World War I, to its strategic role in World War II, Rendcomb played an essential part in training aviators and supporting military operations.

While the airfield no longer serves a military purpose, its legacy remains an important part of Gloucestershire’s history and the story of the Royal Air Force.

Hard Day’s Night

Good times: 1969 was the year of not just the 6BB, but the Seiko Quartz Astron 35 SQ. Source: Seiko

Ok, The Beatles may have regaled us about working like a dog in 1964, when Ford introduced its first Mustang vehicle, and Diet Pepsi burst onto the drinks market.

But another brand was creating a genuine fizz during the 1960s.

By the end of the decade, two significant watch-related events occurred in 1969, the same year the 6BB originated: the first quartz piece, the Seiko Quartz Astron 35 SQ launched on Christmas Day, while the Omega Speedmaster was worn by astronauts on the Apollo 11 mission.

This marked the first occasion a watch was worn on the moon.

Limited to 500 pieces, Newmark was not flying solo during this period. Oh no. Known as the Fab Four, this is the horological equivalent of John, Paul, Ringo and George. Let us explain.

By the next decade, four companies would go on to produce and supply watches to the British Armed Forces. These were;

CWC (1973-78, 1980 and 1982)
Hamilton (1970-1974)
Precista (solely 1981)
Newmark (solely 1980)

Built to instill the ruggedness akin to a Zenith Defy Extreme Diver and as legible as an IWC Pilot, Newmark were slightly later to the game, supplying novelties in 1980, whereas Hamilton and CWC had already got them off the timekeeping conveyor belt at the beginning of the 1970s.

After a meeting with a military watch collector, Wilson gathered all the essentials in order to recreate the original Newmark. Right down to the dial markings and two dozen teeth located on the crown winder.

Staying true to this discovery, and once a manufacturer was procured, the rest as they say is history, resulting in today's reimagined pilot’s rendition.

Personality Of The Newmark 6BB RAF Chronograph

Shall we roll out the barrels or have our very own gun salute?

Newmark 6BB RAF Chronograph

Steeped in history, no detail is left spared in terms of paying homage to its former glories. The 316L stainless steel asymmetric case has a gentle brushed finish, while the matt black dial is stealth like and highly visible…as go to military inspo watches should be.

Measuring 38mm x 12.8mm, this piece is the same diameter as a Speedmaster in steel (324.30.38.50.01.001) and 2mm less than the launch of the 1959 Rolex Submariner reference 5512 (40mm)

FIND OUT MORE: Should You Still Buy A Rolex Submariner In 2025?

On the thickness side, it is precisely the same as a Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time. With thin syringe style hands, domed vintage box sapphire crystal and slim wrist profile, we can see this being sported in the office or for all manner of special occasions.

This is not a put me down piece. It’s a real pick me up and go getter.

Newmark Watch

Presented on a grey Admiralty strap, removable spring bars enhance the offering, making it easy to transition on the move, be it grabbing an early morning Nespresso, or making that last minute meeting.

Newmark 6BB RAF Chronograph

Both pushers, namely the top at 2 to start and stop based at 4 to stop work quite well with a firm click, in line with the robust design language.

The non-screw down crown has been replicated to a timekeeping tee thanks to the 24 individual teeth while there are other details not to be missed. Take the velvet black dial which is finished off with matt white hands with Super Luminova X1-C3 across the hour dots, 12 and 6 numerals as well as batons.

Newmark 6BB RAF Chronograph

A scaringly solid watch that can be flexed even at the most spooktacular Halloween parties, you won’t miss this one in the dark! Although there’s nothing awe inspiring about the caseback, compared to let’s say the Omega Ploprof 1200M Summer Blue, there is one element that will make you high on vintage vibes.

Case back of Newmark 6BB RAF Chronograph

Flip the Newmark 6BB RAF Chronograph over for a split second and reveal something rather fascinating. An official NATO Stock Number bearing the digits 6645-99-870-5073.

Your Number’s Up

A NATO Stock Number (NSN), also called a National Stock Number in the US, is a 13-digit code used by NATO and partner armed forces to identify standardized items of supply. It's part of the NATO Codification System (NCS) and is used across all NATO countries.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Purpose:

The NSN ensures a common language for identifying and managing military supplies across different nations, facilitating logistics and interoperability.

Structure:

First four digits: NATO Supply Classification (NSC) code, indicating the material group and class.
Last nine digits: National Item Identification Number (NIIN), with the first two digits representing the country/region ID.

How it works:
Each material managed by NATO countries has a unique NSN, and these numbers are catalogued in the official CSIS database.

NCAGE Code:
Anyone who sells, supplies, submits codification requests or provides a service to the MOD must have a valid NCAGE Code.

NCB:
The NCB is the organisation, typically a government agency, in charge of maintaining the NCS database within a given country

Rounding this off is a simple elongated presentation box with the brand embossed front and centre, telling you there is a rich story lurking underneath just waiting to be unfurled.

And if a chrono doesn’t make you wrist proud, there’s always our previous review of the Newmark 71 Sports that'll make you shout “warp factor 10” in no time at all.

Official Specs - Newmark 6BB RAF Chronograph

Case Diameter	38mm
Case Thickness	12.8mm
Dial Colours	Velvet Black
Case Material	316L Stainless Steel
Crystal Type	Vintage Boxed Sapphire
Caseback	Screw Down
Lume	X1-C3 Superluminova
Functions	Hours, minutes and 24 hour hands Chronograph to 60 minutes by central seconds (in 1/5 seconds) with 60 minute totaliser
Crown Material	Stainless Steel
Water Resistance	10 Bars / 100 Meters / 10 ATM / 328 Feet
Bezel Type	Fixed
Hands/Numerals	Matt White
Bracelet Style	Admiralty Grey NATO
Spring Bars	Removable
Lug to Lug	46.5mm
Lug Width	20.05mm
Limited Edition	No

Seiko VK64 Movement

Are you looking to buy a watch with a pocket-friendly complication?

Then the Seiko V64 Meca-Quartz is the solution to all your timekeeping troubles. Housed within the Newmark 6BB RAF Chronograph, it is part of Seiko's Vitesse Series of hybrid mechanical-quartz movements.

Blending the reliability of quartz technology with the precision of mechanical engineering, it is a popular movement found in many Seiko and other brands' watches, especially for those looking for a more affordable yet highly functional timepiece.

It’s time to deep dive like a Rolex Deepsea Challenge (perhaps deeper!) and answer the question…why is the Seiko VK64 so special?

Overview:

Ultimately, this is a hybrid chronograph that incorporates both mechanical and quartz components.

This gives it some unique features that set it apart from traditional quartz or mechanical chronograph movements. It is part of the Seiko Meca-Quartz family, which means it combines a quartz movement for timekeeping and a mechanical mechanism for the stopwatch function.

Key Features:

Quartz Powered with Mechanical Complication:

The VK64 is powered by a quartz oscillator for accurate timekeeping.
The chronograph function, however, is mechanical, which means it operates more like a traditional mechanical form with pushers for starting, stopping, and resetting the hands.

Stopwatch Functionality:

Enjoys a 30-minute totalizer and 12-hour totalizer subdials, which are used for timing events over extended periods.
The second hand is operated by a traditional mechanical clutch system.
The chronograph's second hand has the distinctive "flyback" feature, meaning it sweeps smoothly like a traditional mechanical version, as opposed to the ticking motion commonly found in pure quartz chronographs.

High Accuracy:

The quartz component of the VK64 ensures high accuracy, typically within ±15 seconds per month, which is typical for quartz movements.
The mechanical mechanism provides a smooth and tactile feel, with no ticking motion when the chronograph is activated.

Durability:

Seiko’s quartz movements, including the VK64, are known for their durability and resistance to shocks, making them well-suited for daily wear and outdoor activities.

Battery Life:

Being powered by quartz, the movement boasts a long battery life—typically around 3 years, depending on usage.

Applications:

The Seiko VK64 is often used in mid-range sports watches, pilot watches, and racing-themed timepieces including;

Tusenö First Series
Furlan Marri Rosso Grigio
MHD Daily Driver
AVI-8 Flyboy
Straton Curve
Yema Rallygraf

It offers a perfect balance of modern quartz accuracy combined with the appeal of mechanical chronograph functionality. Many Seiko models, along with other watch brands, utilize this movement for creating robust, functional, and affordable chronographs.

As rugged as Gerard Butler in Sparta, and oh so reliable, functionality is assured in this sturdy British watch.

Advantages:

Mechanical Feel with Quartz Precision: The combination of quartz accuracy with a mechanical function adds a unique tactile experience to the wearer, reminiscent of high-end mechanical watches but at a much more affordable price.

Smooth Chronograph Hand: Unlike typical quartz chronographs, which often feature a ticking second hand, the hand sweeps smoothly (5 good, old-fashioned ticks of the central chrono hand every second, if you want to be ultra precise!), offering a more sophisticated and seamless feel.

Affordability: In summation, the Seiko VK64 provides a budget-friendly way to enjoy the mechanical chronograph experience, compared to the much more expensive fully mechanical movements you might find in many top Swiss luxury watch brands.

Did You Know…

Many Seiko movements had a hand in powering British military watches during the mid-1980s and throughout the 1990s.

Official Movement Specs

Movement Type	Quartz (mecaquartz), battery-powered, chronograph
Country of Production	Japan
Functions	Central hours; central minutes; central chronograph seconds; 1/5 seconds; 60 minute counter at 9:00; 24 hour indicator at 3:00; date at 6:00
Diameter	30.80mm x 29.10mm
Movement Height	5.10mm
Layout Format	3, 9 (bicompax)
Frequency	32,768Hz
Battery	Approximately 3 years

Where Can You Buy A Newmark 6BB RAF Chronograph

If you want to snaffle this novelty, orders can be placed directly on their site here. Prices are as follows;

Strap Variation	Dial Declination	Price (As Of May 2025)
Admiralty Grey NATO	Black	£500 (Original)
Admiralty Grey NATO	Black	£550 (Chronograph Date version)

What’s Our View?

We thought you’d never ask.

More practical than doing calculus and a darn sight more appealing, the Newmark 6BB RAF Chronograph will tick many timekeeping boxes.

For those who want to buy a watch with a big dose of simplicity and a large sprinkling of aviation lineage, then for the price it is worth considering. Look, is it a Breitling Navitimer with its legendary “slide rule" bezel that literally changed the face of chronographs?

Not quite.

Yet when it comes to horological bang for your buck, you’d be hard pressed to find something of this nature at such an attractive price point. Better still, this timepiece still takes pride of place on pilots wrists thanks to the Newmark Helicopter Flying Trophy.

Every year, a recipient is chosen who seeks to push the aviation industry boundaries that extra bit further. Symbolising strength to rival the Hulk, and precision only the best aviators must possess, it’s a sign of excellence and continually striving for the best.

Although Newmark is not a household name like Rolex or Omega, its vintage-inspired designs and focus on quality make certain models appealing to collectors.

Particularly those in limited editions or early releases, which can sometimes appreciate in value over time, especially as the brand gains recognition in the horological community.

Collectors tend to appreciate their watches due to affordability, reliability, and timeless appeal, making them an interesting alternative to more expensive luxury brands. Some models may be considered “hidden gems” by collectors seeking to build a diverse watch collection without spending a near fortune.

As the old adage goes, hard work pays off.

Conclusion

There’s heritage brands…and there’s heritage brands.

We could pick many out of the sky, from Hamilton who initially produced pocket watches, to Jaeger-LeCoultre, creating more than 1,300 unique calibers (movements) since its founding in 1833.

Perhaps Bell & Ross with their catchy slogan “from the cockpit to the wrist,” offering an array of impressive aviation inspired watches such as the BR-03 Horizon or BR-03 Gyrocompass, with a nod to aeronautical dashboard instruments.

But the brand has been in existence since 1992. Newmark has been ticking along for what is now a century and a half. Something to consider when making your next purchase.

Mic drop…

Don’t get me wrong. We all love a nostalgic look back in the wing mirror. Think Don Johnson, dressed to kill like James Bond in a short sleeve white suit in Miami Vice. Or the Swinging Sixties, where flare dresses, knit cardigans and vintage long sleeve tops were de rigour.

That yearning for the past brought back with great attention to detail has been encapsulated in the reimagining of the Newmark 6BB RAF Chronograph. After all, this novelty has street cred and a horological tapestry that many of the best watch brands would prick up their ears and listen to.

Catering to both enthusiasts, consumers and military history aficionados, the originals are as rare as a Patek Philippe Jumbo 3700/1A. These are collectors items, bar none. And aviation remains deeply ingrained in British culture 2025, thanks to the last surviving Battle Of Britain pilot passing away at 105 years of age.

We doth our timekeeping hat.

Nonetheless, to own just a tiny fraction of British aviation history is something not to be sniffed at. In measures, you have to earn true heritage, not something that’s continually churned off a conveyor belt like the immeasurable number of releases by Grand Seiko.

And yes, this may be a reissue of a traditional classic, but there are a few of these rare military watches going for in excess of £8000 on secondary market places like Ebay. Yowzers. Tell us though. What are your thoughts on mecaquartz chronographs? Does it have a new found place in your collection?

On the other hand, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is very simple.

If you want to be part of more majestic military history, stay tuned, as Chrono Hunter will be revealing details on the brand’s next hot drop in the coming months. For now, we are keeping it on the fly to ourselves. What do they say? A stitch in time saves nine.

How's that for a cliffhanger…

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Images (unless otherwise stated) Newmark

Further Reading:

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