A True USAF Hero, awarded 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses

Sep 07, 2012,16:49 PM
 













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FOUND: 3/6/9/12 Aqua Lung with Military Provenance!!

 
 By: hennabav : September 2nd, 2012-01:50
I've recently had the pleasure of obtaining a great 3/6/9/12 Aqua Lung from the original owner who fought in the USAF and part of their diving squad!! Like one of my close friend's piece, this is also a Microbille case but with a rather different and uniq...  

The US Air Force!!

 
 By: hennabav : September 2nd, 2012-08:43
I personally wasn't aware that the US Military ever issued these 3/6/9/12 BP's but I guess I'm wrong....they did from the words of the man himself. I just confirmed through email. Very cool stuff!! Best, Jon

Yes, but The USAF bought the watch to a retailer? Military specifications?

 
 By: amanico : September 2nd, 2012-08:46
Do you have more details on the purchase and on the conditions of the purchase? Best, Nicolas

Since they were exploring in SCUBA and Pararescue

 
 By: hennabav : September 2nd, 2012-09:18
as part of their new applications in training, they did not have the resources to supply these types of equipment to their team. So the supply guys went to purchase the necessary equipment through diving retailers including this example and issued to thei... 

very,very nice ! it does not get better than this, my friend !

 
 By: watch.out1 : September 2nd, 2012-04:00
kind regards. achim

congrats

 
 By: fifty fathoms : September 2nd, 2012-06:42
Great post, great catch ! This case shows there are still some unknown FF on the run ! Please, ask the seller if his friend still have the watch with the bullet inside or a photo ! best Stephan

Thansk Stephan!! Unfortunately, he doesn't have it anymore...

 
 By: hennabav : September 2nd, 2012-08:45
these war memorabilia's were not thought as nearly collectible as they are today, otherwise I'm sure his friend would have kept it ;) Best, Jon

What a STORY, and what a Watch...!

 
 By: hans_jorgen_1968 : September 3rd, 2012-12:31
Truly a great catch Thankyou for sharing this Best Hans

Its such an amazing story!

 
 By: Briandumais : September 3rd, 2012-14:21
Its very cool that he has so many color photos of his watch in action. I always ask the original seller if he has any photos of his watch! Very cool! Brian

Indeed Brian...I was amazed myself as well.

 
 By: hennabav : September 4th, 2012-16:07
He was able to scan those pictures to me. Digital always will preserve the original picture ;) Best, Jon

A fantastic post

 
 By: Ubik : September 6th, 2012-10:31
What a wonderful watch and a fantastic story. The pictures of him wearing the watch are absolutley stunning and pretty unique, I don't remember seeing many pictures of a FF being worn on duty. Very rare and really the cherry on a delicious cake. Perhaps e... 

Thanks Ubik!! In response to your question....

 
 By: hennabav : September 6th, 2012-15:22
the US military was much more flexible back then. This particular piece as I responded above to Nicolas's question was purchase by the military from a local diving store. They needed new diving equipment as their division began exploring the idea of parar... 

Simply AWESOME!!!

 
 By: hennabav : September 7th, 2012-21:16
Frank, What amazing research!! So glad you found documented history and distinguished awards to the hero of our country and the original owner of this very special piece!! Best, Jon

One of your pictures is of the owner receiving the DFC medal

 
 By: fmsmb : September 7th, 2012-22:07
So it was easy at that point to track down the award. I had no idea that he had earned the award 3 times. Frank

bp fifty fathoms

 
 By: w.lieberth : November 29th, 2012-03:16
hi! is this watch for sale?

bp old

 
 By: w.lieberth : November 29th, 2012-03:18
hi! is this watch for sale? w.lieberth@

WOW - Great story

 
 By: Mike1066 : December 12th, 2012-09:30
Absolutely fantastic watch. And what a story! Funny to hear how cavalier the military was with such (now extremely) expensive watches! A Rolex here, a BP there, lost, damaged, forgotten.. no big deal! Although, when I was in AFG, I guess our Supply guys w... 

Thanks Mike!! Indeed it's a fantastic piece

 
 By: hennabav : December 12th, 2012-13:24
It's what makes these military pieces so great as they were used and treated as they were built for: a tool! It's only then when we find some very clean examples, it makes them that much more special. Best, Jon

What a great find and story

 
 By: Bill : December 13th, 2012-19:03
The previous owner was very kind and generous to share his story with us. Congratulations on this great find. Thanks Bill

Thank you Bill!

 
 By: hennabav : December 13th, 2012-19:31
Richard was a true gentleman and hero!! Best, Jon

Great Post

 
 By: Marrk : January 12th, 2013-10:13
Someone recently directed me to this post. Very interesting and informative. Those BPs were really terrific — simple, elegant and tough — like a Rolex 5513. So, is the reference number of this model TR900? This part of the story is not clear to me. Again,... 

No, the TR 900 is this one.

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2013-10:17
As for the one shown by Hennebav, it is a 3 / 6 / 9 / 12 " 1000 Feet ". Best, Nicolas ...  

How About a Calibre?

 
 By: Marrk : January 12th, 2013-10:47
Thanks, Nicolas. It seems strange that the watch does not have a mfr.'s reference number. Did they call it the "Aqua Lung" or something. How about the calibre? Does that have a number?

There are no ref numbers on the Vintage FFs. This is a fact.

 
 By: amanico : January 12th, 2013-10:49
And the Cal has a reference. Most often an AS. Sometimes 1361, sometimes 1700. Best, Nicolas;

Thanks! [nt] [nt]

 
 By: Marrk : January 12th, 2013-10:50

That really is cool!

 
 By: Nicko16 : January 19th, 2013-03:14
I love these stories of watches actually been used by military personnel!