Skip to content
Heuer Bundeswehr 1550SG 3H Chronograph, 1970s — view 1 of 6
View 1 of 6 · Image: Bulang & Sons · original image source (opens another website in a new tab)

Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Heuer Bundeswehr 1550SG 3H Chronograph, 1970s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Heuer (maker)
Date
1970s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 43 mm
Stock no.
W-3228
Credit line
Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-3228)
Catalogue title (original)
Heuer Bundeswehr 1550SG 3H Chronograph (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-3228), this is a wristwatch by Heuer, made in Switzerland, dated 1970s. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 43 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Bulang & Sons

This is a very cool issued military watch, housed in a 43mm steel case with a rotating black bezel. It was issued to the German Bundeswehr (Federal Defence Force), commonly referred to as “BUND.” These watches are highly sought after by military watch collectors, and this particular example is a highly desirable chronograph. The matte case is in excellent condition, and the case back features the original German military markings: 6645-12-146-37xx, along with a nicely functioning rotating bezel. The black dial includes the highly coveted red ‘3H’ marking, which signifies Hydrogen-3 — more commonly known as tritium. This encircled 3H was a requirement set by the military. The dial also features bold Arabic numerals painted in zinc-sulfide tritium, though most of this lume has been washed off by a watchmaker over time, as is often seen with these military pieces. We’ve paired this cool mil-chrono with our new Falco Bund Strap, just launched on the website over here. Inspired by the original straps these watches came on — commonly known among collectors as “Bund straps.” Fun fact: The German Defence Forces actually refer to these as "Armband mit Doppelstoppeinrichtung" — arguably the most German phrase ever. Loosely translated, it means "strap with double stop device." About our new strap: The Falco Bund Strap - Thin Grey Goat Skin This unique strap is the first creation from our 10 Year Strap Contest , co-designed and named after Falco Kober. Together, we brought history and passion to life. We’re proud to share this strap with you - the ultimate companion for your chronograph. > READ ALL ABOUT HERE... The Thin FALCO BUND Strap - just 2 mm of soft goatskin comfort. Tone-on-tone, subtle stitching, with a twist of olive-grey and orange. Heritage in every detail. Minimal. Timeless. Perfect for daily wear. This Heuer and its flyback movement have been fully serviced by our watchmaker and is ready for action. Military proof build, wanted by collectors lets get a deal! Specifications: Heuer Chronograph Reference 1550SG 3h dial ”Bund” Issued to the German defence forces 43mm matted steel Case Original “Bund “ case back engraving :6645-12-146-37xx serial 23xx dating to the 1970s Tritium bold Arabic hour markers ,circle 3H logo in red Flyback chronograph Valjoux 230 movement Rotating bezel Coming on the shown Bulang and sons “Falco Bund“ strap , inspired by the original Bundes wehr or “BUND” leather straps Fully serviced by our watchmaker

Historical context

Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)

Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.

Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology

Atlas type guide

Chronographs and split-seconds watches

A chronograph is a watch with an additional seconds hand that can be started, stopped and returned to zero independently of the timekeeping. Louis Moinet built an early example in 1816 and Nicolas Rieussec a recording 'chronographe' in 1821; Adolphe Nicole's heart-shaped reset cam (patented 1862) made the modern return-to-zero possible. Split-seconds (rattrapante) chronographs add a second hand that can be stopped for intermediate times; flyback chronographs restart instantly.

Chronographs were essential tools for doctors (pulsometer scales), artillery (telemeter), engineers and sport. In wristwatches, Valjoux, Venus, Lemania and later the automatic chronographs of 1969 (Zenith El Primero, the Chronomatic Calibre 11 group and Seiko 6139) are milestones.

What to look for

  • Push-pieces on the case band or a single button in the crown (monopusher).
  • Subsidiary registers for minutes and hours; tachymeter, telemeter or pulsometer scales.
  • Column wheel versus cam control visible in the movement.
  • Calibre markings of specialist makers (Valjoux, Lemania, Venus, Landeron).

Dating clues

  • Pocket chronographs with heart cam reset: after 1862.
  • Wrist chronographs: from c. 1910; two-button designs from the 1930s.
  • Automatic chronographs: from 1969.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

Read next:Chronograph

Related records