Here we have a 1940s WW2 period Cortebert RAF Mountain Search and Rescue Issued watch. It was originally an ATP Issue watch, which was re-issued to the RAF under the code 6E/385. It has the 31mm case with the chrome plated front and stainless-steel back. Inside it is signed with the Cortebert name, with the anti-magnetic dust cover sitting over the movement. The movement is a Cortebert calibre 665 which is manually wound. It has been recently serviced and has a daily variation of one minute per day. It is presented on a period stainless steel bamboo style bracelet, signed ML, made in Gt. Britain.
Cortebert won numerous chronometer words between 1930 and 1955, as well as supplying railway watches to eastern European countries, and of course ATP watches to the MOD. The company made good quality movements, with their calibre also being used in the Rolex GSTP Issued pocket watch. The company was taken over by Omega and ceased trading in the late 1960s.
Under the RAF stores code, 6E stands for Miscellaneous Instruments, Accessories and Unit Servicing Spares. The 6E/385 watches were renumbered ATP watches issued to RAF mountain rescue units.
This ATP watch is known for its classic 31mm case with the chrome plated front and stainless-steel screw back. It has the distinctive flat front of the case, with the bevelled line to the lower section of the lugs. It has a decent presence on the wrist with the lug-to-lug length of just under 40mm. The stainless-steel Bamboo style bracelet is a great match which enhances the overall appearance on the wrist.
The bracelet is from the period and is a similar design to that of the Bonklip bracelet. It has a more ornate link style with the scored design to the sides and centre. It is marked with the ML makers mark and is also signed ‘Stainless Steel’ and ‘Made in Gt. Britain’. It has a tightly fastening clasp with is still easily adjustable.
It has the Cortebert calibre 665 movement, a good and reliable manual wind calibre. It is complete with the soft antimagnetic surround with a spring retaining the movement. It has the dustcover which has protected the movement over the years. It has a daily variation of 1 minute and had been recently serviced.
The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference.
Full condition report below. Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.
Dial:
The dial is original and is in decent vintage condition. The matte silver finish has darkened with age. It has some scratching associated with ageing. The signing is good and clear without wear. The luminous plots have been removed.
Hands:
The hands are original and have the bright thermally blued finish. They have been relumed with the well matched aged luminous tone.
Glass:
The crystal is a replacement which is in perfect condition. It fits the profile perfectly.
Crown:
The crown appears original and is of the correct profile for the watch. It has light makring associated with age.
Case:
The case is chrome plated and is in very good original condition. It has some light nicks and scratching associated with age.
Case back:
The case back is formed of stainless steel and is in good original condition. The engravings are very well defined with no marking from a single piece strap in its life.
Bracelet:
The watch comes on a period bamboo style stainless steel bracelet. It is in good vintage condition with some marking. It will fit any wrist size and is fully adjustable.
Movement:
The movement is the Cortebert calibre 665. It is a manual wind calibre. It is complete with the soft antimagnetic surround and the dust cover.
The movement has been recently serviced and is running well and keeping time to within 1 hour a day. It has an amplitude of 250 degrees and a beat error of 1.7m/s.
Case Dimensions:
Case width: 31mm
Case width with crown: 34mm
Case length: 31.2mm
Case length lug to lug: 39mm
Case Depth: 8.35mm
Lug width: 16mm