WW II German Air Force B-Uhr – STOWA BIG PILOT NAVIGATION WATCH – PUBLISHED!

Description

You are bidding on a STUNNING and VERY RARE example of a WW2 German Luftwaffe 1942 “A-Dial” STOWA “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 STOWA B-Uhr is in SUPERB functioning condition and is EASILY the nicest I have seen of it’s type! It is 100% ORIGINAL in every way, including the leather strap! 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 350 of Konrad Knirim’s book titled, “Military Timepieces”. All numbers are matching and are as follows:

Movement: 5177
Serial Back of Case :5177
Inside of Main Cover:5177

The body is finished in a matt gray, and is clearly engraved, Fl. 23883. Probably dates early in the war, based on the serial number. The Unitas Cal. 2812 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 due to the age, but nothing that detracts. An AMAZING and 100% ORIGINAL addition to any collection or display!