Important Collectors' Wristwatches, P...

New York, Mar 05, 2009

LOT 437

Stowa B-Uhr, No. 6280, Made in 1943 by Walter Storz, Pforzheim, Germany. Fine and very rare, large, center seconds, base metal nickel German military pilot?s wristwatch (Flieger Beobachtungsarmbanduhr) with original partially un-mounted long leather strap. Accompanied by a spare strap.

USD 4,000 - 6,000

EUR 3,100 - 4,700 / CHF 4,700 - 7,000

Sold: USD 5,520

C. Three-body, gray, lapidated bezel, concave lugs, case band stamped FI 23883, case back stamped inside with manufacturing details and red octagonal stamp BAL 636. D. Black with luminous Arabic numerals and indexes, outer minute / second divisions. Luminous blued steel lozenge hands. M. Cal. 18"', rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, 20 jewels, straightline lever escapement, cut bimetallic Guilliaume balance, self compensating Breguet balance spring, swan-neck micrometer regulator. Movement and case signed. Diam. 55 mm. Thickness 17 mm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image
Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 2

Very good
Dial: 2

Very good

Notes

The Mark 1 Stowa B-Uhur is one of the rarest German military pilot's watches available. It differs from the later version in the simplicity of its dial and the use of a higher-grade Unitas 2818 observatory quality movement. Issued for use as navigational aids prior to an air-raid, the Stowa Mark 1 B-Uhr were required to be returned upon return. In June 1942, perhaps due to the excessive cost of manufacturing, modernized navigation techniques or watches lost in failed raids, the model was altered to incorporate a simpler and less accurate movement and an updated dial.
The example offered is one of finest examples of a Mark 1 B-Uhr benefiting from never being issued and subdued to the rigors of war.