Only Online Auction
Hong Kong, Mar 03, 2021
LOT 84
Heuer
Ref. 1550 SG, military-type, fly-back “retour en vol” chronograph, minute counter, black dial, calibre Valjoux 230; “Bundeswehr”, so-called “The Bund”; stainless steel
HKD 43,100 - 61,000
CHF 5,000 - 7,000 / EUR 4,700 - 6,500 / USD 5,600 - 7,800
Sold: HKD 55,000
Stainless steel, manual-winding, tonneau-shaped, military-type pilot’s wristwatch, water-resistant with case-back screwed by four screws, black colour dial with subsidiary seconds at 9 and two horological complications:
· Fly-back “retour en vol” 1/5 second chronograph (activated by the two round-shaped push-pieces)
· Half-instantaneous 30-minute counter (subsidiary dial at 3 o’clock)
Case-back engraved “Bundeswehr / 6645-12-146-3774”.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AA |
Very good |
Case: 3-8 |
Good Slightly scratched |
Movement: 3 ** |
|
Dial: 3-01 |
Good HANDS Original |
Brand Heuer, La Chaux-de-Fonds
Reference 1550 SG
Year circa 1960-1970
Movement No. unnumbered
Case No. 3 240 (by Heuer-Leonidas S.A.)
Material stainless steel
Bracelet black leather strap
Buckle stainless steel buckle
Caliber 13’’’ (based on Valjoux 230 by Reymond Frères, Les Bioux, Vallée de Joux)
Height 51.2 mm.
Width 43.1 mm.
Signature dial and case
Notes
The Bundeswehr has been the national army of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) since 1955.
This chronograph was used in the pilot squadrons of the FRG Air Force. This watch was very much appreciated by pilots of all nationalities, particularly those of NATO, and many of them, both American and foreign, stationed on German bases, wanted to be equipped with it.
A small series of this chronograph was produced for this purpose, without the mention “3 H” on the dial (at 6 o’clock), and sold in the PX boutiques of the NATO air bases in Germany.
Affectionately nicknamed “The Bund”, in reference to its original assignment, this chronograph was a much appreciated bargaining chip for the military forces engaged in the Red Flag exercises and between 1970 and 1980 many meritorious pilots were awarded it.