Image 1 of 8
Image 2 of 8
Image 3 of 8
Image 4 of 8
Image 5 of 8
Image 6 of 8
Image 7 of 8
Image 8 of 8
This Timor 6E/385 is exactly the sort of military watch that collectors love because it tells a story far beyond the brand name on the dial.
Originally, watches like this began life as ATP watches, meaning Army Trade Pattern. These were among the British military’s early attempts to standardise wristwatches for service use, replacing the mixture of pocket watches and privately purchased wristwatches that had previously been used by soldiers. They were simple, compact, legible and built with one purpose in mind: reliable timekeeping in the field.
What makes this example especially interesting is the case back. The original military story did not stop with its first issue. This watch carries the RAF broad arrow marking, the stores reference 6E/385 and its military issue number. The 6E/385 designation is understood to relate to watches that were re-issued for RAF service after their earlier Army use, with these examples often associated with specialist RAF use, including Mountain Search & Rescue.
That is where this watch becomes particularly compelling. RAF Mountain Rescue was formed to locate and recover downed aircrew, often in remote and difficult terrain. For that kind of work, a wristwatch was not jewellery. It was practical equipment. This is why collectors are drawn to these pieces today. They are not polished luxury objects. They are surviving tools from a period where watches had a genuine job to do.
The black military dial has fantastic age and character, with luminous Arabic numerals, cathedral hands, a subsidiary seconds register and the “Waterproof” text above 6 o’clock. The chrome plated brass case shows honest service wear, exactly as you would expect from a military issued watch of this period. The stainless steel screw back is the most important part of the watch from a provenance perspective, carrying the markings that connect it back to British military service.
At 32mm, this is compact by modern standards, but completely correct for the period. On the wrist, it wears with real charm thanks to the black dial, aged lume, fabric strap and strong military identity.
This is a rare opportunity to own a genuinely interesting Timor military watch with RAF 6E/385 markings, wartime design language and the sort of honest condition that makes military watches so collectible.
Key Features
Timor 6E/385 RAF military wristwatch
Circa 1940
Originally an ATP military issue watch
Later re-stamped with RAF 6E/385 markings
Manual wind Timor calibre 99B movement
32mm chrome plated brass case
Stainless steel screw back
RAF broad arrow military property mark
Stores reference 6E/385
Military issue number to case back
Original black military dial
Luminous Arabic numerals
Cathedral hands
Subsidiary seconds register
“Waterproof” dial text
Acrylic crystal
Fabric strap
A Word on Condition
This Timor presents as a proper military tool watch, with exactly the sort of honest age and wear collectors expect from a piece of this nature.
The chrome plated brass case shows visible wear to the plating, particularly around the lugs, bezel and case edges. This should not be seen as a negative. With military watches, this kind of wear is part of the history. These were issued, used and handled as working instruments, not kept as luxury objects.
The black dial has aged beautifully, with warm, aged lume to the numerals and hands. The cathedral hands, subsidiary seconds and “Waterproof” text give the watch a very strong period look. The dial has visible patina, but it remains full of character and highly legible.
The case back is especially important. The 6E/385 marking, broad arrow and issue number are what give the watch its military provenance and separate it from a civilian Timor of the same era.
Overall, this is an honest, characterful and highly collectible military watch with excellent visual presence.
Accessories / The Set
This watch is sold as watch only, which is typical for military and vintage timepieces. We place greater value on condition, originality, correct markings and overall integrity than on whether a box or papers happen to be present.
With watches like this, the case back markings are far more meaningful than a conventional box or guarantee. They tell you what the watch was, how it was designated and why it matters.
If a watch does include genuine box and papers, this will always be clearly noted in the description. All purchases come with bespoke Watts On Watches packaging and full purchase documentation.
Why Buy This Watch
People collect watches like this because they are authentic. They were not designed to be fashionable, expensive or decorative. They were designed to work.
The appeal of the Timor 6E/385 sits in its layered history. It has the roots of an ATP British Army watch, the later RAF 6E/385 marking and the military case back details that give the watch real provenance. It also comes from Timor, a name that holds an important place in British military watch collecting thanks to its involvement in both ATP watches and the later WWW “Dirty Dozen” era.
This is a watch for someone who values story, originality and purpose. The worn chrome case, aged black dial, luminous cathedral hands and stamped military case back all form part of the appeal. It is not trying to be perfect. It is trying to be real.
For collectors of British military watches, RAF watches, ATP watches or early Timor military pieces, this is a highly engaging example with real historical character.