A. Lange & Söhne B-Uhr Observation Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1940
Maker / issuer
A. Lange & SöhneThis military observation watch, designated B-Uhr (Beobachtungsuhr), originates from the period of the Second World War. It was produced by the German manufacturer A.
Lange & Söhne in Glashütte. Final assembly is attributed to L. G. Wien according to the watch's internal case markings. The watch features a 55 mm diameter nickel case with a press-fit back and displays the military aviation code Fl. 23883 on the case side. The movement is an A. Lange & Söhne caliber 48.1, a gold-plated manual-wind movement equipped with a seconds-stop hacking mechanism, a Breguet hairspring, and a swan-neck regulator.
The timepiece operates but its precision is untested, and the crystal shows signs of wear and is noted as potentially being a replacement part.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Military observation watch
- Maker
- A. Lange & Söhne
- Assembly
- L. G. Wien
- Movement
- Caliber 48.1
- Case material
- Nickel
- Military code
- Fl. 23883
- Serial number
- 210695
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Crystal condition
- Potentially non-original
- Maker / attribution
- A. Lange & Söhne
Design
- Visible features
- • Large 55mm nickel case with crown at 12 o'clock • Baumuster B dial layout with central hour ring and outer minute track • Fl. 23883 aviation code engraved on the case side • Leather strap with rivets visible in photos
- Case and Dial Design
- The watch is housed in a 55 mm diameter nickel case featuring a press-fit (Druckboden) back. The side of the case is engraved with the military aviation code Fl. 23883, indicating its specific design for navigation use. The exterior of the case back displays the serial number 210695. The dial is designed according to the 'Baumuster B' pattern, which is characterized by a black surface featuring a prominent outer ring for minute markings and a smaller, inner circle for hour markings. The dial includes luminescent hands and indices. While the luminous material remains present, its functional integrity is noted for further evaluation by collectors.
- Signatures and Identification
- The internal case back provides comprehensive identification details, including the maker's name (Lange & Söhne), the device number (Gerät Nr. 127-560A-1), and the order code (Fl 23883). Crucially, it identifies the firm L. G. Wien as having performed the final assembly of the watch, distinguishing it from those completed directly by the primary manufacturer. The correspondence of the serial number 210695 across the case back, the interior lid, and the movement components is highlighted as a significant factor for authentication.
- Movement and Mechanical Features
- Powering the watch is an A. Lange & Söhne caliber 48.1, a gold-plated, manual-winding movement. A primary technical feature of this movement is the seconds-stop (hacking) mechanism, which allows the user to halt the balance wheel for precise synchronization. Additional technical components include a large compensation balance, a Breguet hairspring, and a swan-neck micrometer regulator for fine adjustment. The movement serial number matches the number found on the case back and interior case lid, which is 210695. The movement is documented as operational and running, though no tests regarding its chronometric accuracy have been performed.
Identification
- Reference
- Fl. 23883
- Serial number
- 210695
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Condition of luminous material on dial and hands requires verification
- Research required: Accuracy of mechanical timekeeping has not been tested