106th Auction

2022/5/21

Lot 161

Chronometerwerke Gerhard D. Wempe

An aviator's navigation watch of the German Luftwaffe with engraving: "RLM" (Reichsluftfahrtministerium - Reich Ministry of Aviation) - "Navigations-B-Uhr"

Sold

estimated
3.0005.000 €
Price realized
3.800 €
specific features
Case
Matted grey, push back, original extra long aviator's leather strap.
Dial
Black, luminous Arabic numerals and indexes, centre seconds.
Movement
Manual.
Case no.0947
Cal.Valjoux 61
Diam.55 mm
Circa1944
Ctry.Germany


Wempe experimented on their first navigation wristwatches with centre second indicators using pocket watch chronograph movements (Valjoux 61). As Glashütte was unable to supply enough navigation wristwatch movements, Wempe made use of all pocket chronograph movements available (from Valjoux, Longines, Excelsior Park, Heuer etc.). They disabled the chronograph mechanisms so only the centre second indicator function was used. These movements were built into navigation wristwatch cases. These movements were built into navigation wristwatch cases. These watches did not reach chronometer quality standards and they had the obvious limitation that they had no stob second for accurate time setting. Most of these watches came with the Fl. number 23883 as well as the marking "RLM Nav.-B-Uhr" and a series number. The dial faces used did not properly fit the movements and so were glued or screwed on.