Exclusive watch for RAF 617 Squadron
A unique watch that celebrates the 80th anniversary of the 617 Squadron in 2023.
The Pinion 617S is a 41mm stainless steel watch powered by a Swiss automatic movement and is designed, built and tested in England.
This watch is only available to purchase for RAF and Royal Navy personnel, is priced at £675 Excl.Vat (£810 Incl. Vat) and is currently scheduled to be shipped November 2023.
This project has now entered manufacturing stage, we are now taking deposits.
41mm
100 metres
Automatic
20mm
Exclusive design
The Pinion 617S follows the design code as established by the rest of the watches in the Pinion collection, but rather than ‘re-badge’ an existing model, this watch features an entirely exclusive design.
Central to the watch is a bespoke made dial. This features an abstracted ‘Dambusters’ badge, 617 Squadron lettering and a custom made ‘lightning flash’ red seconds hand.
Swiss movement
The Swiss-made Sellita SW200 automatic movement (elabore grade) powers the Pinion 617S.
Pinion regulates all of the movements in-house in five positions over five days to ensure reliability, with an average rate of +/- 5 seconds a day and a maximum daily variation of +/-15 seconds a day.
Engraved caseback
The solid steel watch case back features an engraved 617 Squadron 80th Anniversary graphic and serial number of the watch (1 to 80). Each watch can also be personalised to include your Service Number or Nickname / Callsign.
Super-Luminova
The larger hour markers and hands are applied with Swiss Super-Luminova® (Ref: C3-GL).
The luminova is charged when exposed to light and glows green to aid timekeeping in lower light conditions. C3 also has the strongest relative brightness in the range of Superluminova colours.
Bespoke made box
The watch is presented in a bespoke made card box, embossed with a 617 Squadron badge and comes complete with engraved warranty card, strap changing tool and watch manual.
Pinion 617S specifications
FUNCTIONS
- Time in hours, minutes, seconds.
- Hacking seconds feature.
MOVEMENT
- Automatic Swiss made Sellita SW200 / ETA2824-2.
- 26 Jewels.
- Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour.
- ~40 hour power reserve.
CASE
- Stainless steel. Brushed finish. 41mm (excluding crown).
- Stainless steel crown with Pinion motif.
- Solid steel case back, engraved and numbered.
GLASS
- Sapphire Crystal with anti-reflective coating on the inside.
DIAL
- Satin black dial filled with Swiss Superluminova® coating SLN C3-GL (large numerals).
HANDS
- Coated brass hands with Swiss Superluminova® coating (hour, minutes).
WATER RESISTANCE
- 10 ATM, 100 metres.
STRAP
- 20mm leather strap with Pinion steel buckle.
Note: Some dimensions are to be confirmed pending the manufacturing drawings being completed.
DIAMETER (A)
- 41mm excluding crown
LENGTH (B)
- Approx 50mm total length (TBC)
STRAP (C)
- 20mm lug width
HEIGHT (D)
- Approx 12mm height (TBC)
WEIGHT
- Approx. 75g without strap
- Approx. 85g with strap
FAQs
If you have a question that is not listed here, don’t hesitate to email us directly.
Pricing, deposits and purchasing
The retail price is £675 (Excl. Vat) / £810 (Incl. Vat).
If you will be stationed outside the UK when the watch is due to be shipped (estimated: November 2023).You will be able to purchase the watch excluding the VAT at £675. This will be sent via BFPO to your location.
Please note: If you purchase the watch ex.VAT and then change to mainland UK at the time of delivery, VAT will need to be charged – £135 extra.
To reserve a watch, you will be required to pay a 50% deposit £337.50 (Excl.VAT) / £405 (Incl. VAT).
Deposits are being taken now. Please visit the 617S product page to reserve your watch.
Deposits are paid via the Pinion website. We accept all major credit and debit cards, plus Paypal.
Once manufacturing deposit payments will be non-refundable.
Deposits / payments will only be refunded in the unlikely event this project cannot complete manufacturing, due to reasons beyond our control.
No. This watch is already priced especially for the edition; a comparable model would usually cost more.
Yes. For the UK or BFPO – £10 ( delivery by Special Delivery) For shipping to residential or business addresses outside of the UK, a £40 (delivered by DHL International) will be added to the balance due.
No – only one watch per person is allowed for this project.
Watch specifications
The 617S will be made as a limited run of 80 pieces. Each watch will have a serial number X of 80.
Yes, you can select your serial number on the 617 product page at the point of paying your deposit. Please note, we cannot reserve any serial numbers without a deposit payment.
The watch components are made by small independent manufacturers in Switzerland and Germany. The parts are then assembled Pinion’s watchmakers in England.
We will have a sample / prototype module built in Summer 2023. From here we will photograph the watch and supply a sample to the project leader.
Yes. All of Pinion’s watches come with a two-year warranty for manufacturing faults. All warranty work would be undertaken by Pinion’s watchmakers in England.
Straps and bracelets
The 617S comes fitted with a black leather strap with pin buckle. When you pay your deposit you will be able to select a brown nubuck strap as an alternative choice or in addition to the black strap supplied. Any additional 22mm straps can be ordered via this website.
No. But nearer to completion, Pinion will provide a list of compatible steel bracelets and straps that can be purchased. All bracelet purchases must be in addition to the leather strap.
Yes. You can also change the strap to a nubuck brown one – you’ll need to specify this at the point of paying your deposit. Photos will be available for reference.