IWC observation watches caliber 67

IWC Observation Watches Cal. 67 (Source: Konrad Knirim "Military Time Pieces")

Observation watches with dial imprint 'KM' and lettering 'International Watch Co. Schaffhausen'.
Compiled by J. King 24.04.01

Two versions of the observation watch were produced, the differences being very clear. The first version had a steel case with a visible dial diameter of 41 mm and the reference number 135. The metal dial was imprinted with 'KM' and the IWC logo. Two series were produced: the first series consisted of 365 pieces with the case numbers l 074 901 - l 075 264, delivered from July 1942 to December 1942 to Gerl and Schipper in Cologne. The second series consisted of 300 pieces with the case numbers 1076201 - 1076500, delivered from August 1942 to December 1942. The 'Reichsadler' was engraved on the case back, as were the quality designation 'II. Kl' and the consecutive number 'M 6038'. The archive also notes under the case 'met. blc. Saxonin, polie, unie' and caliber '67-18''' H 5'. A total of 665 pieces of this first version were produced.

The second version had a nickel case with a visible dial diameter of 49 mm. The first batch featured an enamel dial imprinted with "KM" and the IWC logo. 1,500 pieces were manufactured under case numbers 1080101 - 1081600 and delivered to Gerl and Schipper in Cologne between January 13 and December 21, 1943.

Further deliveries were equipped with fully luminous dials, also with 'KM' and IWC lettering under the case numbers, delivered to Gerl + Schipper in Cologne between 7 September and 8 November 1944:
1103251 - 1103650 400 pieces
1107001 - 1107200 200 pieces
1107501 - 1107900 400 pieces
Total: 1,000 pieces

Thus, a total of 2,500 pieces with a 49 mm dial diameter were delivered, divided into 1,500 with an enamel dial and 1,000 with a luminous dial. Both versions featured the 'Imperial Eagle' embossed into the case back, as well as the designation 'II Kl' and the consecutive numbering, e.g., 'M 10215'. All observation watches were powered by the caliber 67-18''' H 5.

Under the case numbers 1080101 - 1081600, some Bundeswehr watches appear that show the following changes:
1) The enamel dial was replaced by a metal dial without inscription.
2) The case back was replaced and engraved with the Bundeswehr service number '12-121-8633'. It has not yet been possible to determine who performed this work.

The successor model for the Bundeswehr was marked with the supply number '6645-12-151-5866' and the corresponding wooden storage box with transparent slide had the supply number '6645-12-124-9144'.

German military watches: Description

1.) Deck watches in a steel case with a metal dial imprinted with 'KM' and the IWC logo. The visible dial diameter is 41 mm. Back: 'Reichsadler' embossed, 'M 60 38', and a serial number engraved with 'II. Kl.' Chronometer II. Kl. The case number and Probus stamp are engraved on the inside of the case back. The inside case back also features an engraved case number for dust protection.

Text in the archives includes: Ref. 135, Caliber 67 H5 18''', Case met. bic. Saxonin polie - unie Ouv. 41 mm

Case numbers:
107 4901 to 107 5264 = 365 St. Gerl + Schipper 14 July 1942-9 December 1942
107 5265 to 107 5500 = 235 pieces various retailers 1943 - 44
107 6201 to 107 6500 = 300 St. Gerl + Schipper Aug. 1942-Dec. 1942
Total = 665 pieces

2.) Deck watches in a nickel case (metal black) with an enamel dial imprinted with 'KM' and the I WC logo. The visible dial diameter is 49 mm. Back: 'Reichsadler' embossed with 'M 9331' and a serial number engraved with 'II K l'. The case number and Probus stamp are engraved on the inside of the case back. The inside case back serves as a dust cover with the embossed case number.

Text in the family register: Lep. bassine anglaise grnde rehaut pour glace incassable sans charniere, cal. 67 -18/22''' H5, tampon special 'Aigle Allemand' 'M II. Kl.' Fr. 185,- net

Case number:
108 0101 - 108 1600 = 1500 St. G.+ Sch. Jan. 13, 1943-21. December 1943
110 3251 - 110 3650 = 400 St. G,+ Sch. Sept. 7 - Oct. 25, 1944
110 7001 - 110 7200 = 200 pcs. G + Sch. Oct 12 - October 25th 1944
110 7501 - 110 7900 = 400 St. G.+ Sch. l. Nov - 8 Nov 1944
Total = 2500 pieces

3.) Deck watch in a nickel case (Metal bic.) with a fully luminous dial and imprinted 'KM' and IWC logo. The visible dial diameter is 49 mm. The back is engraved with the 'Imperial Eagle', 'M 9331', and the serial number engraved 'II. Kl.'. The case number and Probus stamp are engraved on the inside of the case back. The case back also features an engraved case number for dust protection.

Text in the family register, among others: Cal 67-18/22''', special tampon 'German Eagle' 'M II. Class' Fr. 185,- net

4.) Observation watch in a nickel case (Met. bic.) with an enamel dial and IWC signature. The visible dial diameter is 49 mm. Back: Bundeswehr supply number '12 - 121 - 8633'. Remaining stocks of 'KM' observation watches in nickel cases were taken over by the Bundeswehr and fitted with dials without KM markings. Likewise, the engraving on the back (Imperial Eagle, M number, and Class II quality mark) was ground out and replaced with the supply number (12-121 - 8633). It is not yet possible to determine how many pieces were converted; it is estimated that the number was rather small.

5.) Observation watch in a steel case with a metal dial and IWC logo. The back bears the German Armed Forces' ownership number (supply number) '6645-12-151-5866'. IWC Reference 5301 Caliber 9720 with Incabloc shock protection, 17 jewels, 18,000 vibrations per hour. Special wooden case with supply number 6645-12-124-9144 stamped on the back. Last delivery in 1987, a total of 47 pieces + 7 additional pieces.