1956 Longines R.A.F. Military Pilot's Watch (Ref. 6B/159) Black Dial W/ Extract From The Archive

Longines is one of the oldest continuously operating watch manufacturers in the world, with roots dating back to 1832. Over that immense period of time, the brand has crafted some truly incredible—and incredibly accurate—timepieces. In fact, it's one of the reasons Longines is the official timekeeper of the Kentucky Derby, where accuracy is paramount. 

The brand also has an incredible military heritage, most notably as having been one of the Dirty Dozen. Like the Dirty Dozen watches, the 6B/159 is another fantastic military reference done by a few different brands, including Omega and Jaeger LeCoultre, in addition to Longines. These watches were originally issued to RAF navigators and pilots during World War II—they also featured white dials.

So, why the black dial here? Well, following the war, surplus 6B/159s were modified and reissued to the RAF by the Ministry of Defense after replacing the original alloy casing with a larger, stainless steel, screwback, waterproof case and refinishing the dial's black. These are rare, highly sought-after pieces with an iconic aesthetic and tons of WWII-era military panache. The Extract From The Archives reveals this watch was originally manufactured in 1943 and delivered to Baume, which was Longines' agent to the Air Ministry for the United Kingdom, however, the serial reveals the watch wasn't actually issued and put into use until 1956, further verifying the origins of this unique timepiece.