Aeschbach WW2 Pattern Germany Luftwaffe / Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) Pilots Watch with a 24 Jewel Swiss Sellita SW216 Movement and a Domed Vintage Box Sapphire Crystal

Product Details

SKU Code: AESC/DUH1CH

Overview

This classic hand-winding WW2 pattern Aeschbach military watch features a Swiss 24-jewel Sellita SW216 movement and a subsidiary dial second hand. The design is based on the watches issued to the German Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe during World War II, closely mirroring one of Aeschbach's original wartime models.

While the originals are now rare and command high prices, this modern re-creation is outwardly almost indistinguishable — but has been discreetly improved for durability and daily wear, with:

• 100m water resistance
• Shatter & scratch-resistant box sapphire crystal (visually identical to the original plexiglass)
• Upgraded 24-jewel hand-winding movement (from the original 15-jewel design)

Historical Background

During WW2, the Wehrmacht, Kriegsmarine, and Luftwaffe were supplied by numerous Swiss and German watchmakers, including Aeschbach (founded 1923). In fact, more than 100 manufacturers contributed to the war effort.

A list of these manufacturers has been compiled by military watch enthusiasts and can be found here: [WW2 German Watches](WW2 German Watches). The list is nearly complete, and contributions to fill remaining gaps are welcome.

Aeschbach itself suffered great losses during the war. Based in Pforzheim, the company’s workshops were completely destroyed in the devastating RAF raid of February 23, 1945, which destroyed 83% of the city and killed over 17,000 people. For decades production ceased, but years later, a family member rediscovered surviving technical drawings and original pieces, leading to the revival of Aeschbach watches.

Specifications

• Case Diameter: 36.5mm (excluding crown), 39mm (including crown)
• Lug to Lug: 43mm
• Thickness: 12.5mm
• Lug Type: Spring strap bars
• Dial Colour: Black
• Case Material: 316L stainless steel
• Caseback: 316L stainless steel
• Crown: Screw-down locking crown (stainless steel)
• Water Resistance: 100m / 330ft / 10 ATM
• Movement: Swiss hand-wound Sellita SW216, 24 jewels
• Crystal: Box sapphire (shatter & scratch resistant) with anti-reflective coating
• Luminous Material: Luminova
• Serial number: Engraved on caseback
• Strap: 18mm black leather
• Guarantee: 24 months
• Presentation: Supplied in a box

Why Sapphire Crystal?

Synthetic sapphire is the strongest and most durable material for watch crystals:

• Shatter-resistant
• Scratch-resistant
• Heat-treated to remove stress points
• Anti-reflective coated

This makes it ideal for military, police, and outdoor use. By contrast, plexiglass (used until the 1980s) and mineral glass are prone to scratches and cracks. Over 90% of crystal failures we see involve mineral or plexiglass — rarely sapphire.

Sellita SW216 Movement – Winding Guidelines

• Full wind (from empty): 20–25 turns of the crown (fewer than most hand-wounds, which need 30–40)
• Power reserve: ~42 hours
• Daily use: 15–17 turns every 24 hours is generally sufficient
• Screw-down crown: Adds 3–4 extra turns when secured — factor this in when winding

⚠️ Important: Do not overwind. Overwinding can cause locking or mainspring damage. Unlike automatics, hand-wound watches have a defined stopping point.

• MWC are official distributors for Aeschbach watches.

• Delivery

  • Shipping Information

    Europe, UK, and Rest of World

    Tracked Mail:

    • Europe: €11.75 / £9.99 / US$12.95
    • UK: £7.95 / €9.50 / US$10.50
    • Rest of World: US$22.75 / €20.50 / £17.50

    Express Courier (UPS or FedEx):

    • Europe: €23.50 / £19.99 / US$25.95
    • UK (UPS/DPD):  £12.95 / €15.25 / US$16.95
    • Rest of World: US$45.50 / €41.25 / £34.95

    Note: The exact shipping cost may vary slightly depending on the weight and dimensions, but it will only differ by a small amount and will be shown at checkout. The above rates cover approximately 85% of parcels.

    Order and Shipment Confirmation

    You will generally receive two emails after placing an order:

    1. Confirmation of receipt of the order and payment.
    2. Notification of shipment once the goods are dispatched.

    Processing Time: Orders are shipped by the Post Office or Courier within 48 hours of payment processing. Note that our shipping centers are closed on Saturdays and Sundays; therefore, orders placed during this time may take up to 72 hours to be dispatched. This includes orders placed after 14:00 (CET) on Fridays.

    Estimated Delivery Times (in working days):

    • Europe:
      • UPS: 2 to 5 days
      • Registered Mail: 7 to 14 days
    • UK:
      • DPD or UPS: 24 hours
      • Tracked Mail: 1 to 2 days
    • Rest of World:
      • UPS: 3 to 10 days
      • Registered Mail: 7 to 21 days*

    *Some countries are notoriously slow to process goods on arrival, including Israel, Hong Kong, Macau, Mexico, South Africa, and some South American countries. Significant delays can also occur in other countries in Africa. For time-sensitive deliveries, we recommend using UPS, DHL, or FedEx.

    All shipping estimates exclude Saturdays and Sundays.

    While we strive to deliver within the above timeframes, they are guides, and delivery cannot be guaranteed. We are not responsible for delays caused by couriers or any national postal service. If your goods are not delivered within the estimated time, please contact us at admin@mwc.watch, and we will do our best to resolve the issue promptly. We are not liable for any loss caused by late delivery.

    Our delivery charges cover the cost of shipping to you but do not include import charges and administration fees to clear the goods when entering your country if applicable.

    It is the purchaser's responsibility to understand that charges may be levied and to pay all subsequent import taxes and duties on goods shipped to their country. If items are returned to MWC due to rejected payment, subsequent charges incurred (such as import duty and processing costs) will be deducted from any refund issued. For more information, please contact accounts@mwc-distribution.com

    If you need to clarify any details regarding local taxes for your location, please contact us before placing an order. For clarification, goods shipped to the EU can be dispatched from our EU location if ordered at https://mwc.eu/, and we also have a dedicated UK shipping center at https://mwcwatches.co.uk/. In the United States, orders under $800 do not incur taxes or fees. In Australia, orders up to AU$1000 are tax-free. Many other countries have similar regulations, which you can verify using this helpful link: Zonos De Minimis Values and also this link to calculate taxes for shipments to most countries worldwide https://www.simplyduty.com/import-calculator/

    We do not accept liability for goods lost after delivery to a PO Box. We reserve the right to cancel orders where the delivery address is a PO Box. Similarly, we do not accept liability for goods lost after confirmed delivery to APO or BFPO locations.

    Customer Notification: It is the customer's responsibility to notify us if goods are not received within 21 days of the estimated delivery date. If no notification is made within this period, the buyer is deemed to have received the goods.

    Safe Place Deliveries

    Some delivery companies allow for delivery without a signature, leaving the item in a "safe place" (e.g., shed, garage, porch). If you choose this option, it is at your own risk. We initially send items by a secure service requiring a signature or proof of delivery. Using a "safe place" increases the risk of theft. We advise ensuring deliveries require a signature to ensure safe receipt.

    Failed Deliveries

    If an item is refused and returned to us, we will refund the order less the outbound and inbound shipping charges once the item is received back at our packing and shipping center. For business locations, please notify the receiving personnel of the expected delivery to avoid refusals. Usually, we will be notified of delivery issues and will email you for instructions. It is important to act quickly to avoid return and associated costs.

    For any questions or further assistance, please contact us at admin@mwc.watch.