Lot 618 : Sold for £2,500 hammer

Estimate £1,500-£2,000

A World War Two German Luftwaffe Pilot's 'B-Uhr' watch, ref. 127 - 560B, the circular black dial 'B' dial with Arabic numerals, outer minute track and baton markers, lozenge hands with short hour hand and sweep centre seconds, 22 jewel movement signed Laco numbered H3955, grey antimagnetic metal case, snap on back signed to the inside and engraved with matching number and full identification information, makers name etc. , oversize onion shaped crown, engraved on the left side FL23883, extra long brown leather strap, 55mm Notes: In the 1940s the Luftwaffe commissioned watches for their pilots from IWC, Laco, Stowa, Wempe, and A. Lange & Sohne. Produced to the Luftwaffe's specifications, the watches had a mechanical movement with centre seconds, 55mm cases to accommodate the large movements and an oversized crown. The watches were fitted on an extra long leather strap so they could be worn over a flight jacket. The crown could be operated with gloves on and could stop the centre seconds. - These watches became known as the B-Uhr style, abbreviated for Beobachtungs-uhren, or 'Observation' watch. The watch cases were engraved on the left side 'FL23883' to identify the watch for navigation. On the inside of the case back, it contained further identifying numbers and information. - As the watches were property of the Luftwaffe, and not the individual navigators, the pilots had to return their watches after completing the mission.

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Nick Davies
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