Earliest Alpina / A. Lünser Berlin Artillery chronograph, earliest artillery column-wheel chronograph on presumably original chain of the early Reichswehr after World War I, the so-called "100,000 Man Army", shown and described in detail in the book "Military Timepieces" by Konrad Knirim, page 147
Attention: This chronograph is currently not functional and is explicitly offered as a restoration project or for spare parts. The mainspring is defective; it can be wound for hours without any effect. Otherwise, the chronograph appears to be complete and intact.
Replacing a mainspring is no big deal for a professional or watchmaker, but it has to be done.
As is well known, after the First World War, Germany was only allowed to possess and maintain an army of 100,000 men under the Treaty of Versailles.
A. Lünser Berlin was one of the very first registered watch suppliers for this newly established Reichswehr (see photo from Konrad Knirim, p. 147) and thus one of the first and oldest suppliers of the later Wehrmacht.
Description:
Alpina, A. Lünser Berlin, nickel pocket watch on chain with chronograph and 30-minute counter, smooth case, black dial with Arabic numerals (luminous material poorly applied or corroded), Arabic minute track, 1/5-second divisions, small central seconds hand, luminous hands, white movement with lever escapement, column-wheel chronograph, manufactured around 1915
Black dial with luminous hands and numerals, continuous railway minute track, 30-minute and 60-second counters on subdials. Snap-on case back with internal movement protection cover on hinge.
EZ: 4 - 5: good overall condition considering its age and military use, radium luminous numerals corroded or poorly restored, otherwise unrestored dial without damage, few visible signs of age or use, lid closes flush
Attention!! The mainspring is defective! Offered explicitly as a restoration project! No liability or warranty!
