Description
Beobachtungs-Uhren (B-Uhr) watches were issued to WWII Luftwaffe pilots and observers. This is an excellently preserved example, given that it is nearly 80 years old. These navigation watches were the property of the Luftwaffe, and not the individual pilots so they had to be returned after completing each mission.
We have had it fully rebuilt and serviced by a leading pilot watch specialist. Running perfectly, it is still accurate to +/- 1 second a day!
B-Uhr watches were made by one of five manufacturers; this one comes from Stowa (Walter Storz). The huge 55mm case meant the watch was easy to read in a dark plane and could also be worn over a leather flying jacket. It also has a large ‘onion’ crown. Our watch comes with two accurate replica straps: double-riveted so they can be easily changed despite the fixed bars. One is standard length, the other an extra-long version. The rare black original Type A dial with white Arabic numerals is in great condition and the sword blue hands retain their lume.
Engraved on the back of the case, are the watch’s markings: type FL23883, serial no. 6019, the inside of the back also marked Gerat (device) Nr. 127- and with other fully matching marks. Each case had FL23883 engraved on the left side. FL means Flieger, 23 denotes a navigation watch. Stowa used Swiss movements; the Unitas cal. 2812.
Total production of these pilots watches was approximately 13,500 precision timepieces in total. Stowa’s are back in production (both Types A and B) at affordable prices, but this piece of military history is increasingly unique and will only get rarer, so a very solid investment piece.
