A. Lange & Söhne U-Boot Beobachtungsuhr Kaliber 48
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 1940-1945
Maker / issuer
A. Lange & SöhneThis observation watch by A. Lange & Söhne features a 60mm metal case with a numbered case back (203780) and an engraved dust cover. It is identified by the source as a U-Boot special edition of the Kriegsmarine 'Auf/Ab' observation watch, characterized by a fluorescent dial.
The watch is powered by an A. Lange & Söhne Caliber 48 movement, serial number 203780, which includes an anchor escapement and swan-neck fine adjustment. Features include a power reserve indicator and decentralized seconds display, with blued steel hands. The auction description reports the watch is functional, with the dial described as unrestored and the movement described as clean. It is presented in a wooden box with a plaque reading 'Lange u.
Söhne Glashütte'. The auction house classifies it as a military artifact from the World War II era.
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
- Observation watch
- Maker
- A. Lange & Söhne
- Features
- Fluorescent dial, power reserve indicator, decentralized seconds
- Movement
- Caliber 48
- Escapement
- Anchor escapement
- Case Diameter
- 60mm
- Serial Number
- 203780
- Place recorded
- Germany
- Maker / attribution
- A. Lange & Söhne
Design
- Visible features
- • Fluorescent dial with Arabic numerals and power reserve indicator at the 10 o'clock position • Decentralized seconds register at the 3 o'clock position • Blued steel hands for hours, minutes, and small seconds • Wooden storage box with a metal plaque inscribed 'Lange u. Söhne Glashütte'
- Movement and Mechanism
- The internal mechanism is an A. Lange & Söhne Caliber 48, serial number 203780. It is designed as an anchor-escapement movement equipped with a swan-neck fine adjustment mechanism. This movement configuration was utilized in the 'Auf/Ab' observation watch models supplied by the manufacturer. According to the documentation provided, the movement is in clean condition, and the watch is reported to be functional, although its specific timekeeping accuracy has not been verified or tested by the vendor.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The watch is housed in a 60mm metal case. The reverse side features a case back numbered 203780, and an internal dust cover that bears engravings. The dial is specifically noted as a fluorescent version, intended for low-light conditions associated with submarine use. The display includes a power reserve indicator located at the 10 o'clock position labeled 'Auf' and 'Ab', and a decentralized seconds sub-dial positioned at the 3 o'clock mark. The hour and minute hands are constructed from blued steel. The auction description identifies the watch as a specialized edition for the German Kriegsmarine, particularly for U-boat operations, and notes that the dial remains unrestored.
- Military Association and Provenance
- The source characterizes this object as a rare military artifact from the Second World War. The item is accompanied by a wooden display box, which serves as a container for the watch.
Identification
- Serial number
- 203780
- 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: The auction description does not provide a specific date of manufacture beyond identification with World War II
- Research required: The auction description states that timekeeping accuracy has not been tested