Spitfire remains used by Sussex watch enthusiasts for Battle of Britain anniversary timepiece

Watch enthusiasts based in Sussex have created a unique timepiece, cast with a piece from a Spitfire that was shot down over the south coast during the Battle of Britain.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Graham Collins and Andrew Brabyn, co-founders of Zero West Watches in Emsworth, acquired the aluminium engine casing from this iconic plane after historic remains were found off Poole Bay.

They researched the history of the Spitfire Mk1 and discovered the story of a brave pilot who plummeted to his death while shooting down a famous Luftwaffe pilot.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Having uncovered the story behind the plane, which was shot down between the Isle of Wight and Poole Bay, Zero West Watches launched the S4-P9427 watch on July 10 to mark 80 years since the Battle of Britain.

A Spitfire dogfight over the coast, similar to the  Battle of Britain engagement that involved Flight Sergeant Zygmunt ‘Ziggy’ Klein from No. 152 Squadron RAFA Spitfire dogfight over the coast, similar to the  Battle of Britain engagement that involved Flight Sergeant Zygmunt ‘Ziggy’ Klein from No. 152 Squadron RAF
A Spitfire dogfight over the coast, similar to the Battle of Britain engagement that involved Flight Sergeant Zygmunt ‘Ziggy’ Klein from No. 152 Squadron RAF

The Spitfire, found by a fishing boat, was identified as P9427, a plane flown by Flight Sergeant Zygmunt ‘Ziggy’ Klein from No. 152 Squadron RAF.

The courage of this brave Polish pilot was revealed by Graham and Andrew as part of the launch of the anniversary watch. They explained the company aims to preserve history by identifying ‘time and place’.

The Merlin engine metal from the Spitfire was smelted down to create an engraved disc insert for their new S4-P9427 Pilot watch.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Graham and Andrew said the story behind it was a reminder that The Battle of Britain was fought in planes ‘that were at the pinnacle of British aeronautical design and skilfully flown by brave pilots’.

Zero West Watches smelted the Merlin engine casing into machinable bars to produce a limited number of watch back inserts and create a unique pilot’s watchZero West Watches smelted the Merlin engine casing into machinable bars to produce a limited number of watch back inserts and create a unique pilot’s watch
Zero West Watches smelted the Merlin engine casing into machinable bars to produce a limited number of watch back inserts and create a unique pilot’s watch

“Although nearly half a century in the muddy seabed, it was clear from the blade length and pattern, and the shape of the spinner, that this precious find was an early Mk1 Spitfire.

“Extensive research through official RAF records and numerous accounts of dogfights over Poole Bay during the Battle of Britain left no doubt that this was Spitfire P9427, flown by Sergeant Pilot Klein of 152 Squadron, lost in combat on November 28, 1940.

“Zero West’s historical research revealed that man and machine finally came together in 152 Squadron at RAF Warmwell in Dorset. It was only a matter of days before they would be scrambled to head off 30 Junkers 88 bombers surrounded by an escort of Messerschmitt Bf 110s.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Singling out three enemy aircraft on that first flight, Ziggy climbed into the sun and fired three short bursts, taking down a plane for his new squadron. It was another successful but exhausting day as an RAF pilot in the Battle of Britain.

Flight Sergeant Zygmunt 'Ziggy' Klein was a Polish pilot who flew with the RAF in the Battle of BritainFlight Sergeant Zygmunt 'Ziggy' Klein was a Polish pilot who flew with the RAF in the Battle of Britain
Flight Sergeant Zygmunt 'Ziggy' Klein was a Polish pilot who flew with the RAF in the Battle of Britain

“On November 28, 1940, 152 Squadron was called to action to intercept 20 Messerschmitt Bf 109s flying between the Isle of Wight and Poole Bay. On contact, the Squadron immediately broke formation and dogfights quickly exploded into being, as fighter planes combined fire power with manoeuvrability to gain superiority in the air.

“Klein quickly descended into a dive above The Needles, flying after a lone Messerschmitt.

“Klein teamed up with Flight Lieutenant John Dundas and as their Browning machine gun bullets ripped into the enemy Messerschmitt’s fuselage, the plane plummeting into the sea. Only later was it discovered that the Messerschmitt was piloted by legendary fighter ace Major Helmut Wick.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Klein’s victory was sweet but brief, as Spitfire P9427 spiralled out of control to plunge into the depths of Poole Bay.

Flt Sgt Klein was just 22 years old when he fought in the Battle of Britain, initially for No. 243 Squadron, based at Middle Wallop, before transferring to No. 152 Squadron, flying out of RAF Warmwell in Dorset.

He had learned to fly at the age of 19 while serving in the 4th Air Training Squadron and the pilot School in Grudziadz, Poland. Records show it was clear he was a skilled pilot.

As the war rapidly progressed, and Poland was aggressively occupied, Flt Sgt Klein’s squadron flew to France, where it became attached to the Royal Air Force. Having reached Britain’s shores by February 1940, Flt Sgt Klein received further combat training before being assigned to No. 243 Squadron on August 6, 1940 – throwing him into what would go down in history as the Battle of Britain.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Inspired by this bravery, Graham and Andrew brainstormed numerous ideas to create a special piece of aviation history. They said they quickly realised it was possible to smelt the Merlin engine casing into machinable bars to produce a limited number of watch back inserts and create a unique pilot’s watch.

Visit www.zerowest.watch for more information.

A message from the Editor, Gary Shipton:

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news, I am asking you to please purchase a copy of our newspapers.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspapers.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Stay safe, and best wishes.

Related topics: