hennabav
138
FOUND: 3/6/9/12 Aqua Lung with Military Provenance!!
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 unique crown than his. Importantly, it also has a 55xx case making me speculate that these all contained microbille cases within the serial range. In addition to the piece, Richard Pambrun, the original owner and an accomplished MSgt of the military, included a narrative of his time in the military and how the Blancpain came into his life....very cool story!! He even states how that crack in the bezel at the 12 o'clock came about in the narrative so just wanted to share with you all Richard's life story 
FOUND: 3/6/9/12 Aqua Lung with Military Provenance!!
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!!
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?
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
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...
congrats
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...
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...!
Truly a great catch Thankyou for sharing this Best Hans
Its such an amazing story!
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.
He was able to scan those pictures to me. Digital always will preserve the original picture ;) Best, Jon
A fantastic post
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....
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!!!
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
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
WOW - Great story
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
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
The previous owner was very kind and generous to share his story with us. Congratulations on this great find. Thanks Bill
Great Post
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.
As for the one shown by Hennebav, it is a 3 / 6 / 9 / 12 " 1000 Feet ". Best, Nicolas ...
How About a Calibre?
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.
And the Cal has a reference. Most often an AS. Sometimes 1361, sometimes 1700. Best, Nicolas;
That really is cool!
I love these stories of watches actually been used by military personnel!