Description
You are bidding on a STUNNING and VERY RARE example of a WW2 German Luftwaffe 1942 “B-Dial” Lange & Sohne “Big Pilot” Beobachtungs-Uhr (Observation Watch), Fl. 23883! This EXACT one is published in Dr. Konrad Knirim’s “Military Timepieces” book!
At the outbreak of WW2, navigator’s watches were put into full production. The German government contracted five manufacturers to build B-Uhr watches that were both anti-magnetic, and also chronometer certified. Those companies were Lange, IWC, Laco, Stowa, and Wempe.
The requirements for this watch were a 55mm diameter casing; Arabic numerals; central second hand with hack capability, a large crowns (onion or diamond shape) to allow for easy adjustments using thick gloves; and a very long double riveted leather strap to allow for fit over thick pilot’s jackets.
These watches feature a triangle marker at 12 o’clock position, which was used for the upward orientation of the dial during night flight. In addition, it was also used as a solar compass to find the earth’s true north in conjunction with sextants, compass and data charts.
Exact measurements were a case diameter of 55mm; a height of 16.5mm; and a weight of 183g – the result was one of the most imposing wristwatches ever built.
B-Uhr was derived from the German word “Beobachtungs-uhr” meaning “Observation Watch”. It is also referred to as the “Navigator’s watch” or “Pilots watch.
This Lange B-Uhr is in SUPERB functioning condition and is EASILY the nicest I have seen of it’s type! Though the strap is a replacement, it is otherwise 100% original in every way! There are some very slight scratches on the plastic crystal due to the age, and some very minor wear throughout, but otherwise near perfect. The dial glows PERFECTLY under UV light! This EXACT watch is featured on page 347 of his book, titled, “Military Timepieces”. All numbers are matching and are as follows:
Movement: 213755
Serial Back of Case :213755
Inside of Main Cover:213755
Lange & Sohne
The body is finished in a matt gray, and is clearly engraved, Fl. 23883. This exact watch was supplied to the Luftwaffe on July 27, 1942. The gold finished 2/3 plate movement features 16 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, and blued steel breguet balance spring, and hack mechanism. A bit of wear on the reverse, but nothing that detracts. It comes complete with copies of the original paperwork! An AMAZING and 100% ORIGINAL addition to any collection or display!
