LIP Chronographe à Retour Bombenabwurf Stoppuhr
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1933
This military stopwatch, identified as a 'Chronographe à Retour' produced for the French Air Force, is attributed to the French manufacturer LIP. It features a specialized bomb-release function, designed to calculate both elapsed flight time and remaining time to a target destination.
The device is housed in a 46 mm diameter case with a rotating bezel and features a black dial with white markings, signed 'CHRONOGRAPHE A RETOUR LIP'. The internal construction includes a gold-plated lever movement equipped with a monometallic ring balance and a flat hairspring, with stop functions operated via a column wheel. The case back is engraved with the signature '348'. Attributed by literature to approximately 1933, the watch is noted for its rare bidirectional timing complication.
The auction description indicates that the movement exhibits light signs of oxidation and reports that the watch runs, though its timekeeping precision remains unverified.
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 stopwatch
- Function
- Bidirectional timing for bomb release
- Case diameter
- 46 mm
- Place recorded
- France
- Attributed Date
- circa 1933
- Case back signature
- 348
- Maker / attribution
- LIP
- Movement description
- Gold-plated lever movement with monometallic ring balance
Design
- Visible features
- • Rotating bezel with a notched edge • Crown positioned at the 12 o'clock position with a separate pusher at 11 o'clock • Black dial with dual-scale markings and single central hand • Attached black leather strap with steel lugs
- Construction and Design
- The stopwatch features a 46 mm diameter case equipped with a functional rotating bezel, which allows for the adjustment of timing parameters. The design is intended for aviation use, specifically for bomb-release timing. The dial is finished in black with high-contrast white numerals and indices, facilitating rapid reading under varying conditions. The movement is a gold-plated lever caliber characterized by a monometallic ring balance and a flat hairspring. The stop function is governed by a column wheel mechanism. While the watch is signed by LIP, literature indicates that the specific manufacturer of the internal movement remains unidentified.
- Provenance and Condition
- Attributed to approximately 1933, this piece is identified in Konrad Knirim's reference work, 'Militäruhren' (page 155). Regarding its current physical state, the auction reports that the watch is in an excellent condition commensurate with its age, showing minor, recognizable signs of wear.
- Operational Functionality
- The primary complication of this instrument is its ability to time in both directions, allowing the operator to calculate both current flight duration and the time remaining until a target is reached. The auction description confirms that the watch runs, although its accuracy and the precise performance of the bidirectional timing feature have not been professionally verified. The bezel and cover remain functional, with the cover closing flush to the case.
Identification
- Serial number
- 348
- 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: Manufacturer of the movement is not identified by the source or literature
- Research required: Precision and functional integrity of the bidirectional complication are unverified