A truly museum-worthy, unique piece of military watch history: prototype of one of the first experimental B-watches ever from Lange & Söhne – only 189 pieces were produced on a trial basis between 1935 and 1941 (Source: Glashütter Uhren)
As is well known, the later series models of the legendary observation watches of the Reichsluftwaffe were produced in World War II in approximately 15,000 copies. There were well-known watch manufacturers who only carried out the final assembly of the movements of other manufacturers - e.g. Lange & Söhne Glashütte.
The RLM B-Uhr or observation watch of the Reichsluftwaffe was developed to series production in the Glashütte manufactory Lange&Söhne
There, on behalf of the Reich Air Ministry, between 1935 and 1941, a total of 189 prototypes of early B-watches were produced from existing caliber 43 or 45 DUF pocket watch calibers, some of which were actually delivered to the Reich Air Ministry and tested there in flight operations, from 1935 in flight operations, and from 1939 actually in combat operations.
One of these deliveries from Lange & Söhne to the Reich Air Ministry is documented in Konrad Knirim's "Bible of Military Watches", page 335, for the prototype movement number 92665 on 31 March 1936
During these tests, the future functions and characteristics of an RLM B watch were defined: the stop-second function, case and pressed-in case back, size and dial diameter, application number, dial design with easily legible numerals, later exchange of dials from model A to model B for better readability, large central second hand, etc.
The 189 prototypes with pocket watch calibers from Lange & Söhne were partly produced in intended dial variants with degree graduations, which were never produced in series or only in very small series.
Although they – as far as the dial of the later model A was used – at first glance – like the artifact of this offer – were very similar to the later "RLM Standard B-Uhr", there were still serious differences to the later standard:
The pocket watch calibers 43 and 45 used were a bit smaller than the later standard movements of the B-watches
The prototypes had soldered bridges in contrast to the bridges connected to the housing in series production
the prototypes had hinges and an inner movement protection cover, the later standard had only a pressed bottom
Hand setting prototype was done like pocket watches and not yet via the crown
The prototypes mostly had the typical onion crown of earlier pocket watches, which were later sharply grooved to make them easier to use with gloves
The prototypes were still signed in the factory like Lange & Söhne pocket watches: "Deutsche Uhrenfabrikation Glashütte", the later series models were only signed in clear lettering "A. Lange & Söhne"
All Lange & Söhne prototypes are around the movement number 92.650, the later standard B-watches from Lange were around the movement numbers 210.000 - 215.000
Factory architecture: The balance wheel is located opposite the winding wheel
The more than museum-worthy, almost unique artifact of this offer is without a doubt a specimen of these 189 prototypes from the house of Lange & Söhne from the end of the 1930s: each of the above-mentioned characteristics applies
It is documented in the literature - Konrad Knirim "Military Timepieces, page 335 - that the prototype of this offer must have been built and delivered in early 1936, since the delivery of a prototype 11 serial numbers "older" to the Reich Air Ministry was documented on March 31, 1936.
In addition, there is clear proof: The museum artifact of this offer is only 11 movement numbers away from a proven B-Uhr prototype from 1936: 92665 and 92654
Considering the fact that most of the 189 prototypes from Lange & Söhne were actually tested and flown in combat, many of which were shot down and destroyed, as well as the natural deterioration due to age, loss, and unknowing heirs over the past 90 years, it can be assumed that there are definitely fewer than 100 pieces of this military milestone and piece of pilot's watch history left worldwide today, and these are located in private collections and museums.
In 30 years of collecting military watches, I have seen hundreds of thousands of military watches online, in auction catalogs or at auctions – never was one of the 189 Lange & Söhne prototypes among them
The artifact in this offer could be the last of its kind ever to be offered on the open collectors market again
Description:
Earliest RLM B-watch with central second hand from 1936, A. Lange & Söhne Glashütte i.Sa., one of only 189 prototypes of the later standard observation watch of the Reichsluftwaffe, case number no. 92654
Nickel case, case with inner movement protection cover, both covers on hinge
Movement number 92654, dial type A, soldered bars, hand setting not via crown but side lever
Black dial model A with luminous Arabic numerals, large luminous hour scale with Arabic numerals, luminous hands, luminous central second hand
DUF pocket watch caliber 43 as used for the 189 prototypes of the Reichsluftwaffe
Year of manufacture around 1936, this magnificent piece of (military) watch history runs continuously (accuracy not tested)
EZ: 2 - normal signs of age and use, no damage or deep scratches, tarnishes, glass has scratches and could be replaced, but that was probably not original either
