25th Jul, 2014 10:00 GMT/BST

Summer Fine Art Sale

 
Lot 257
 

257

A Rare Giant-Sized Second World War German Luftwaffe Aviator's Wristwatch, signed Laco, so...

A Rare Giant-Sized Second World War German Luftwaffe Aviator's Wristwatch, signed Laco, so called B-Uhr, circa 1941, frosted gilt finished lever movement signed Laco and numbered 03728, bimetallic balance with blued overcoil hairspring, original finished black coloured dial with luminous outer five minute markers and inner hour dial, blued steel luminous hands, large centre seconds hand, nickel plated case with snap-on back numbered H3728, band of the case numbered FL 23883, inner case back with full details and matching number, onion shaped winding crown, 55mm wide

The German Air Ministry recognised the need for an accurate observer's watch to navigate and assist crews on long range flying missions. The watches are known as B-Uhrs (Beobachtungsuhr or observer's watch) and were tested by the Deutsche Versuchsanstalt fur Luftfahrt DVL Institute. From 1941 they were classified with an FL number which stands for flight and control, the 23 stands for navigation, followed by the three digit DVL number. A well tested watch with a high quality movement, and arguably the most desirable WWII German aviator's watch on the market today.

Sold for £1,400
Estimated at £1,500 - £2,000


 

06.05.14, Case with surface scratches, minor rubbing to the surfaces in parts and the surfaces have discoloured, side of the case at 9 o'clock position with slight witness marks of someone using a knife to open the case, plexi glass with scratches, luminous markers to the original dial have slightly faded, but have aged nicely, luminous to the hands has discoloured, movement is clean and in going order, when pulling out the winding crown the hacking centre seconds hand correctly stops to handset the watch, half of the strap is missing and needs replacing.

 


We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated.

Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession.

We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.

Auction: Summer Fine Art Sale, 25th Jul, 2014

Summer Fine Art Sale

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