Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 24, 1999

LOT 243

Minerva, Swiss, No 1295165, case No. 230810, made in 1924. Fine and large, indirect center second, stainless steel observation aviator's wristwatch with single button chronograph, with original leather strap and buckle.

CHF 7,000 - 9,000

C. four body, polished, hinged back bearing the initials. "R.L.M. NAV.B-UHR 061, stainless steel cuvette, wire lugs. D.black with radium-coated Arabic numerals and indexes. "Baton " radium-coated hands. M. 19"'-9 CH gilt brass, 15 jewels, lever escapement, monometallic balance, self compensating Breguet balance-spring. The winding-crown is for setting the time, for winding up the watch and for start, stop and return to zero functions of the chronograph. Numbered on the case. Diam. 52 mm. Accompanied by a Letter of Authentification of Minerva in Villeret, Switzerland.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 4-6

Fair

Slightly oxidized
Movement: *3

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

This watch is part of a series made by Minerva in April 1924 which was transformed in an "Ordonnance watch for navigators and observers of the German Aeronautical Ministry". It was entirely made in the Minerva manufacture, where the firm settled in 1902 and still is today. Hermann Goering in person had founded the RLM (Reichs I,uftfahrt Ministerium). He had asked for his Luftwaffe Forces, some special watches as chronographs, others of large dimensions for navigators and bombardiers, others also for pilots. B-Watches (abbreviation of Beobachtungsuhren) were made by using pocket watche movements. They were classified as FL 23883 where FL meant: Flying. The two first numbers were the used specifications: 22 for flight controller, 23 for navigators and 25 for radio controller.