A. Lange & Sohne German observers watch circa 1940s, The matt black dial having luminescent A

A. Lange & Sohne German observers watch circa 1940s, The matt black dial having luminescent Arabic numerals and hands, supported by hourly markers and minute track, anti magnetic nickel silver alloy case, inner cover marked Beobachtungsuhr Bauart: Lange &.Sohne, case side marked with contract no. Fl 23883, fitted with a 17 jewel manual wind movement, calibre 48 with hack setting feature, movement no. 210014, finished by Langeu & Sohne, Glashutte i.Sa , all movement and case numbers match and are correct. Case diameter 54mm. Beobachtungsuhr German pilot`s watch of WWII, translated as "Observer`s watchö or "Observation watch", and also known as `navigator`s watch`. This large Observation watch was produced by Lange & Sohne for the Luftwaffe circa 1939, and houses a high quality pocket watch movement: Lange & Sohne calibre 48.1. These watches were worn over the arm of the flying suit and were also equipped with large crowns in order to be used with gloves. Another feature was æHackingÆ movement (meaning the second hand could be stopped when put into handset position), essential for a precise time setting. This model is the earlier and simpler Bauart A type, having a more basic dial than the later B type which had a 5 minute interval dial and inner 12 hour ring. Stamped on the side of the case is "FL 23883". "FL" stood for Fliegnummer (flying number) and `23` meant a device for flight monitoring. The final `883` digits were actually assigned by the German Testing Office for Aeronautics, the DVL (Deutsche Versuchsanstalt f³r Luftfahrt). They were given to observers before the flight, when the navigator would set their watch to the second, and had to be returned just after the landing.

The case is in reasonably good condition for its age, the case surface has general surface wear but no deep scratches or dents, the fixed lugs are in good order, the acrylic crystal has grazing/stress cracks. The matt finish dial has a build up of debris and some light surface corrosion, the luminescent markers and numerals are generally in good order, having some discoloration, the blue steel hands have surface deterioration, and light discoloration to the luminescent fill in the minute hand, more noticeable on the centre seconds hand. The movement has a severely bent bottom balance pivot, and the overcoil hairspring is bunched over slightly to one side, i.e out of round. The watch will not positively ‘click’ into handset position (dial not removed for checking of keyless work) so is probable that the bolt spring or pull up piece maybe at fault, otherwise movement seems in reasonably good order, the hacking mechanism seems operable, handset operates, and the train and pallets are free at present with power on. Fellows & Sons do not guarantee the working order or the accuracy of any watches sold.