History of the B-Watches of the Reichsluftwaffe Models A and B
Classic B-watches from Pforzheim, Glashütte and Switzerland
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The B-Uhr is the abbreviation for "Observation Watch." These watches were used by the flying personnel of the German Air Force during World War II. In 1940, the Defense Economic Office commissioned various manufacturers to produce B-watches. In a specification sheet, the Reich Aviation Ministry (RLM) had specified very high standards for these watches. The B-Uhr was classified with "FL 23883." This number identified it as a navigation device and was stamped on the side opposite the crown. Each watch was tested by an official testing institute before delivery and issued with a precision certificate. All B watches feature a balance-stopping device—that is, the balance is stopped when the crown is pulled out, allowing the watch to be set to the precise time signature; after the crown is pressed, the watch continues running. The B-Uhren had a standard diameter of 55 mm. They were worn over the pilot's uniform with a double-riveted fastening strap. |
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Brands A. Lange & Söhne, Cal. 48/1 International Watch Co. (IWC), Cal. 52 Wempe, Cal. Thommen 31 STOWA (Walter Storz), Cal. Unitas 2812 |
IWC watch
Gray lacquered metal case, black dial with Arabic radium numerals and minute track. Gold-plated 18" Caliber 52 movement with anchor escapement, seven jewels, compensation balance with Breguet hairspring, micrometer fine adjustment, indirect seconds. The IWC Pilot's Watch has an additional soft-iron inner case to protect against magnetic field interference that can be caused by instruments in an aircraft cockpit.
LACO (Lacher &Co.), Cal. Durowe D5
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Dial variants The dial of the model A had a classic pilot's watch division with the hours indicated from "1" to "11" in Arabic numerals and a triangle with two dots instead of the "12". The model B has a minute scale from "5" to "55" along the outer edges of the dial; instead of a "60," there is a triangle with a line. The hour scale from "1" to "12" is located in an inner circle of the dial. All B watches shared luminous numerals on a matte black background and luminous hands with active luminous material (radium). A very distinctive feature was the easy-grip crown, known as the onion crown because of its shape. The movements were very precisely crafted and housed in 16 to 22 jewels. Compared to other wristwatch movements, these movements were very generously dimensioned and equipped with fine adjustment. Most of these movements were equipped with shock protection. |
manufactured as replicas by ARISTO VOLLMER in Pforzheim
left: Observer model; right: Pilot model
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Glashütte variant |
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Source: Hansjörg Vollmer
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B-Watches today |
Classic observation watches fetch prices of up to $15,000 70 years after their production. And the B-Uhr replicas from the 1990s—especially those produced in limited editions—are now sought-after collector's items.
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