IWC Luftwaffe Observation Wristwatch (B-Uhr)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1940
Maker / issuer
IWCThis military observation wristwatch (B-Uhr) produced by IWC dates to 1940 and features a 55 mm metal case with an inner stainless steel cap. The matte black dial displays Arabic numerals, a minute track, luminous markers, blued steel hands, and a characteristic triangle flanked by two dots at the twelve o'clock position.
The timepiece is powered by a gilded IWC calibre 52 movement modified to calibre 52 S.C. with indirect central seconds, a balance-stop mechanism operable via the large crown, a compensation balance, a Breguet balance spring, and swan-neck precision regulation. The case back bears military specification markings including FL 23883 and movement number 1014556.
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 wristwatch
- Calibre
- cal. 52 S.C.
- Case Number
- 1033896
- Case Diameter
- 55 mm
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement Number
- 1014556
- Requirement Number
- FL 23883
- Maker / attribution
- IWC
Design
- Visible features
- • Matte black dial featuring an outer track, Arabic numerals 1 through 11, and an upward-pointing triangle with two flanking dots at 12. • Large fluted onion-style crown positioned at 3 o'clock. • Long blued steel handset with luminous inserts and a slender central seconds hand.
- Dial and Visual Features
- The dial is a black metal surface with Arabic numerals and a minute track. It features an upward-pointing triangle with two flanking dots at the 12 o'clock position. The watch is equipped with blued steel hands. The source listing states that the numerals, markers, and hands are marked or coated with tritium.
- Movement and Technical Specifications
- The movement is a gilded calibre 52, modified to calibre 52 S.C. with an indirect central seconds drive. Technical components described include a compensation balance, Breguet hairspring, and swan-neck regulation. The watch features a balance-stop mechanism operable via the crown. The auctioneer describes the movement as 'intakt' (intact).
- Construction and Military Specification
- The timepiece is identified as an IWC Luftwaffe observation wristwatch, manufactured in 1940. The construction includes a 55 mm metal case with a stainless steel back and an internally pressed stainless steel cover, which is noted to have scratches. The case back features engravings, including the requirement number FL 23883, the movement number 1014556, and the mark 'B-Uhr Bauart: I.W.C.'.
Identification
- Reference
- FL 23883
- Serial number
- 1033896
- 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 text describes luminous material as tritium, whereas period-correct WWII 1940 production typically utilised radium.
- Research required: Movement condition is noted simply as intact by the auctioneer without complete timekeeping amplitude data.