We at S.T Hopper Jewellers of Boston, in partnership with Alpina watches are supporting the restoration of "Just Jane" the World War Two Lancaster Bomber based at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, East Kirkby. It is hoped that with more funding it could be in the air within three years. This would make it only the third flight worthy Lancaster in the world! There is one at Coningsby, one in Canada and this example at East Kirkby. I find it amazing that this is happening so close to home.
With more funding 'Just Jane' could be in the air within three years
On Thursday 29th September 2016 at 3pm, James Hopper -Director, presented the Centre with an Alpina Pilots Watch valued at £1530. It is hoped that the Centre will be able to raffle or auction the watch to raise funds towards the upkeep of the iconic aircraft.
S.T Hopper are the exclusive agent for Alpina watches in Boston, Lincolnshire.
Alpina Watches were established in 1883 in Switzerland and began supplying aviators with Pilots Watches in the 1920's. In addition, the brand has also been trusted by explorers and various military forces to supply their timekeeping needs throughout their history. The brand is currently manufactured on the outskirts of Geneva.
The watch being donated is an Alpina Heritage Pilot, an original 1920's design, re-issued recently in a Limited Edition of 1883 pieces. It has a manually wound movement and a hinged, pocket watch style case back to allow the movement to be viewed.
The Limited Edition of 1883 pieces Alpina Heritage Pilots Watch
The auctioning of this Limited Edition timepiece is happening on the 22.9.18 (Lot 6) at GoldingYoung & Mawer auctions. For more info on this please click HERE
In the photograph below you can see James Hopper presenting Andrew Panton with the Alpina Heritage Pilot watch.
James Hopper (left) presenting Andrew Panton with the Alpina Heritage Pilot watch
The centre were kind enough to let us look around 'Just Jane' which was a childhood dream come true! Looking around this amazing flying machine gave us a small glimpse of how brave the young airmen were during World War Two with the average life expectancy of only four missions.
The cockpit to 'Just Jane' is amazing. It takes you back in time
A side view from the cockpit
The auctioning of this Limited Edition timepiece is happening on the 22.9.18 (Lot 6) at GoldingYoung & Mawer auctions. For more info on this please click HERE
