We don't often see German Luftwaffe watches from the Second World War at auction. It is far more common for us to see pieces belonging to Allied Forces. Therefore, when we do see German military pieces from the Second World War, they can achieve extraordinary prices. For instance, one such piece is this historic military “Kampfschwimmer” Panerai diver's watch from WWII. We sold this particular watch for £53,592 in 2019.
There are quite a few theories as to why Luftwaffe watches are so rare in the secondary market. We believe that the following is a credible theory. As they were not personally owned by the aviators, the watches were not passed down or sold after the war. The Luftwaffe gave the watches to the aviators before each flight and they were returned after their missions.
History of WWII German Luftwaffe watches
B-Uhren is an abbreviation for Beobachtungs-uhren, which translates as observation watches. The watchmakers created their B-Uhren with pilots of the Luftwaffe in mind. There are two types of B-Uhr watch; Baumuster A and Baumaster B.
A versions were produced from 1940 to 1941 and utilise a traditional style dial numbered 1 to 11 at the hour markers, triangle with two dots at twelve.
B versions were produced from 1941 onwards and instead use minute markers from 5 to 55 around the perimeter of the dial. Again a triangle indicates the twelve marker.
Due to the nature of their work, precision, robustness and legibility were extremely important factors to consider for the Luftwaffe when commissioning watches. The same is true with British military watches. The watchmakers followed strict design criteria.
These included:
- Large “Onion” shaped crown
- 55mm snap back Case in brass or steel
- Triangle marker at twelve
- Luminous paint (226Ra) for the dial markers and hands
- FL 23883 case markings
- Hacking seconds movement
- Balance spring with a Breguet overcoil
- Certified chronometer
- Extra long strap
All B-Uhren watches were specified to have Breguet style balance springs for superior timekeeping and a ‘hacking seconds’ feature to allow synchronisation. The manufacturers stamped the cases FL23883. FL for Fleiger, 23 to denote that the watch was for navigation purposes and 883 meant that it was used by the German Testing Office for Aeronautics. Navigators would set their watch to the standard time of the German Naval Observatory after receiving a signal beep from the airbase. For their missions, accuracy was of paramount importance to the Luftwaffe. Therefore, B-Uhren watches were regulated and tested to the highest chronometer standards.
These watches were fitted with extra long straps to allow for use over the outside of clothing or around the pilot’s thigh.
B-Uhren production
Five watch houses produced b-Uhren watches over the years; four German and one Swiss.
- A. Lange & Söhne
- IWC
- Laco
- Stowa
- Wempe
A. Lange & Söhne
A. Lange & Söhne produced 6904 examples from 1940-1945. Interestingly, to avoid their factories becoming targets for the Allied forces the manufacturer stopped engraving their names on the watches. Consequently, from 1944, they used the code“nhk” rather than their brand name.
Calibre 48.1.
This particular example dates back to the 1940s. Let's look at some of the features.
Firstly, at 55mm in size, it is an extremely large watch, especially if we compare it to non-military watches of the time. Secondly, the watch displays a type B dial with luminous Arabic numeral hour markers, designed to assist in the dark. The watch's large size and luminous markers made it a very useful piece for German aviators.
IWC
The single Swiss maker of B-Uhren watches, and for a single year – 1940. Caliber 52 SC, the beating heart of 1000 watches featuring bi-metalic balance and swan neck regulator. The only iteration to feature an inner anti-magnetic plate inside its steel case, a feature still commonly seen today in this manufacturer's sports models.
If we look at this particular model, you can see the stainless steel case with a width of 54mm. It has a reference 1033502, and is numbered 1014102. As we would expect, it has an unsigned manual wind movement.
Laco
The name Laco is derived from Lacher & Co. The company had almost all its factories in Pforzheim destroyed in by allied air raids.
Housed in a steel case and using a 22 jewel Durowe D5 pocket watch movement sporting a larger balance wheel and simple index regulator. Laco produced approximately 6500 examples between 1940-1945.
This example shows the useful Arabic markers at 5-minute intervals, as well as the standard Arabic numeral hour markers in the centre of the dial.
Stowa
The name Stowa comes from a portmanteau of the founder's name, Storz Walter.
These are the rarest of all the B-Uhr watches, mainly because we believe that production was limited to just 60 examples.
The Stowa factory was destroyed by the British during the bombing of Pforzheim so they only produced watches from 1939 to February 1945. Their 2812 watches were produced using Caliber Unitas 2812 featuring a swan neck regulator. Their cases were made from nickel-plated brass rather than steel.
This example is fitted to a long leather strap and is displays all useful
Wempe
From 1940-1945 Wempe produced their B-Uhren. They were powered by a 15 jewel Thommen Caliber Revue 31 movement beating at 18000 BPH. A bi-metalic balance and cam disc regulator. The cases are made up of nickel-plated brass and they are the thinnest of the five at just 15mm.
Valuations
If you are looking to find out how much your watch could be worth, why not speak to our specialists? Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. With a valuation, our experts will provide you with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction.
The process is simple, so you can get a valuation now:
Fill in a form online, or you can book an appointment to visit our offices in Birmingham and London. We can also offer you a virtual valuation appointment.
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