I added the CWC Pilots Chronograph 6BB-WR to my collection back in March 2025. My interest in this watch traces to the Dirty Dozen, the 12 watches commissioned by the British Ministry of Defense during World War II. CWC was not one of those original brands, but it has a solid military heritage since the 1970s. I am a practical collector and prefer watches I can actually wear, and at 42 mm this one stands out. The original Dirty Dozen ranged from 35-38 mm and are too small on my wrist, so this modern reference hit the right balance.
Brand history
Cabot Watch Company started in 1972 supplying British forces with robust, affordable timepieces. Today, under Silvermans, CWC still produces no-nonsense tool watches that track closely to the brand's military roots. The 6BB lineage ties to RAF pilot chronographs of the 1970s. The 6BB-WR keeps that design but adds modern durability features like sapphire crystal and rated water resistance. (Cabot Watch Company, Fratello Watches)
Case and wearability
The 42 mm stainless steel case wears light and balanced. On my wrist it is barely noticeable, which is rare for a chronograph of this size. It shipped on a NATO strap, and although I was skeptical of the color at first, it suits the watch perfectly. I tried other NATO colors, but the supplied one works best. The watch feels faithful to the military tool-watch brief, just scaled to a more modern size. Fixed bars and a screw-in back underline the utilitarian build.
Dial and aesthetics
The matte black dial is extremely legible, with white hands and indices that pop. The lume is generous and practical. The layout preserves the spirit of the issued RAF chronographs while adding subtle modern upgrades. I would not change a thing, and I am tempted by the white dial variant as well.
Movement and performance
This 6BB-WR uses the Swiss-made Sellita SW510 BH b automatic chronograph, a proven Valjoux 7750 family movement with a cam and lever system. That setup is rugged and reliable, but it does not give the same satisfying click you get from a column wheel. Power reserve is around the mid-40s to about 48 hours, and accuracy and reliability have been excellent in daily wear. The big win is serviceability: any watchmaker can handle an SW510.
Strap and bracelet
I have kept it on the stock NATO. CWC clearly picked a strap that suits the case and dial. Comfort is good, but like all NATOs the extra fabric adds thickness if you wear your watches snug. Even so, the stock strap works so well that I have left it on.
Comparison with the Valjoux 7733 Limited Edition
The Valjoux 7733 Pilot Chronograph LE looks very similar at a glance, but it is a different proposition. CWC recommissioned 100 vintage Valjoux 7733 movements for that run, which is a great way to celebrate the history. The case measures 40 mm including crown, which is a bit small for me, and the current list price is GBP 4,995. It is authentic and collectible, but less practical for my wrist and budget. The 6BB-WR at 42 mm with the SW510 is more wearable, more affordable to service, and better suited to regular use.
Final thoughts
This is a keeper that I wear occasionally when I want a military-inspired tool watch on a NATO. It is not collectible like an original Dirty Dozen watch, but CWC has the credentials. If you want a faithful pilot chronograph you can actually wear, this one is an easy recommendation. An alternative worth looking at in a similar size is the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 42 mm, Ref. H69529933.
Specifications
- Reference: CWC 6BB-WR Pilots Chronograph, Black Dial
- Case: 42 mm stainless steel, fixed bars, screw-in case back
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Water resistance: 10 ATM / 100 m
- Dial: Black with white hands and indices, luminous, pre-1982 CWC logo
- Movement: Sellita SW510 BH b automatic chronograph, cam-lever actuation, approx 48 hr reserve
- Dimensions (approx): 42 mm diameter, 43.5 mm including crown, 49 mm lug to lug, 14.9 mm thick, 20 mm lug width
- Strap: 20 mm military NATO supplied
- Variants: Also offered with a white dial
