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It is indeed a Bonklip strap, so may well be original. Sadly my Grandad's dementia means he probably won't remember many details about it.
Thanks for the info, is this a 'put it away safe and rarely wear it "worth a lot"'? I'd never sell it but would like to know if I should be wary about wearing it day to day
TooTallTim-
Watches are meant to be worn. Enjoy it.
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Well, it's probably worth somewhere in the region of £750 without the strap, and the strap I'd maybe add another £100. However, these are rapidly increasing in value. They've maybe doubled in prive in the last few years. Only around something like 7000 were made. There is a more common version marked 6B/159 too. Having an heirloom like this is a fantastic thing. I would ask any relatives if they can give you any information about what he did in the Fleet Air Arm. It's a pilot / navigator's watch. They required chronometer-grade watches to help them navigate using astro-navigation.
I would wear it occasionally. The cases are fragile as they were made with a brittle alloy when steel became too expensive during the war. So, don't let the lugs or strap get knocked as the fixed bars get snapped off easily. You could wear on a leather strap if you preferred.
coppiThat
rodabod
Fahkin'ell. That Omega Hydrographic Service watch is a beauty. Excellent dial, so this is worth a lot. Crown is non-original, but there are spares around. I recommend John Senior at Obsolete Watch And Clock Parts; email him. Probably looking at around the £100 mark. The strap may be an original 18mm Bonklip which is valuable alone as they were the original RAF/Fleet Air Arm issued straps.