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Luftwaffe German WWII Type B Dial Observers Watch, Signed Laco, circa 1942 — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Luftwaffe German WWII Type B Dial Observers Watch, Signed Laco, circa 1942

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Unrecorded in source
Date
c. 1942
Country of origin
Germany
Object type
Wristwatch
Dimensions
Case 55 mm
Stock no.
vws1154
Credit line
Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws1154)
Catalogue title (original)
Luftwaffe German WWII Type B Dial Observers Watch - Signed Laco - c.1942 ***SOLD*** (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws1154), this is a wristwatch, made in Germany, dated c. 1942. The Atlas places it in the Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking period (1900 – 1945) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 55 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 — Vintage Watch Specialist

Rare, high-quality Laco, German Airforce Issued, Beobachtungs-uhren (B-Uhr) Military Luftwaffe World War Two Wrist Watch - Type B Dial. We Are Sorry But This Watch Is Now Sold - If However You Are Looking To Buy Or Sell Something Similar Then Please Email Sales@Vintagewatchspecialist.Com Or Whatsapp/Call +44 7831 454658. Thanks Watches that were issued to German flying personnel are prized collectibles today and were primarily watches intended for use by an aircraft’s Observer – the mission’s navigator. Known as the Beobachtungsuhr – often abbreviated to B-Uhr – and specified by the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (Air Ministry), five makers supplied the watches to the Luftwaffe: A Lange & Sohne (see ours on offer), IWC, Laco (Lacher & Co), Stowa and Wempe. These manufacturers were asked to build a watch with a case diameter of 55mm, chronometer-quality movement with a Breguet type balance spring, a hackable seconds hand, a crown with enough protrusion to allow a gloved hand to wind it, and a strap allowing wear over the sleeve of flight clothing. The makers met the basic functional requirements by using modified variants of their pocket watch movements. The Luft B-Uhr had two iterations – initially with a very simple dial (Type A), and, from 1942, with a more distinctive layout featuring a small, inner, concentric hours track (Type B) which is offered for sale here. What’s On Offer FL-23883. By Lacher & Co., Deutsche Uhren Rohwerke (LACO/Durowe). Luftwaffe B-Uhr (Beobachtungsuhr) Observers Wristwatch, Type B dial c.1942. The case back is engraved 'H5518' matching the engraving on the movement. High-quality observation watch with 55mm diameter case in matt grey finished nickel-plated brass. Black dial with fully luminesced Arabic numerals, chapter ring for minutes/seconds, inner 12-hour ring, hands and sweep second hand. Laco's were of German manufacture with a high quality 22 jewel anti-magnetic movement with balance stopping 'hacking' feature for accurate time setting prior to use. This watch was aquired by an Englishman who was a member of a WWII communications unit who collected various items throughout his time in Europe during and after the war, t his watch is very much a collector's piece and will bring much joy to any military enthusiast. In nice condition and running well having been serviced recently by our watchmaker, this is a much sought-after timepiece steeped in history. Running extremely well and in great condition having not been worn by the previous owner for many many years! Additional information Made from Case: Nickel-Plated Brass Dial: Black Crystal: Plexiglas Bracelet: Hand made using vintage leather Technical specifications Winding: Manual Movement Type: Mechanical Caliber: (Durowe) cal. 5 Jewels: 22j Waterproof: n/a Power reserve: Purchase details Condition: Very Good Model Reference: FL23883 Date of issue: c.1942

Historical context

Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking (1900 – 1945)

The wristwatch displaces the pocket watch; waterproof cases, self-winding and grand complications.

The wristwatch overtook the pocket watch. Military use in the First World War, aviation, water-resistant cases (1926), automatic winding (1923–31), rectangular Art Deco designs and early chronographs and calendars defined the period.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Industrial Revolution

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

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.

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