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

This classic hand-winding WW2 pattern Aeschbach* military watch features a Swiss 24 Jewel Sellita SW216 movement and a small subsidiary dial second hand. The design is based on the typical watches used by the German Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe during World War II. This particular watch closely mirrors one of Aeschbach's original WW2 designs. While the original watches are now very rare and fetch high prices, this watch is outwardly almost indistinguishable from the factory's WW2 models. It has been significantly improved with 100m water resistance and the addition of a shatter and scratch-resistant box sapphire crystal, which looks identical to the original plexiglass crystal. The original 15-jewel hand-winding mechanical movement has been upgraded to a 24-jewel hand-winding movement. This watch retains its original outward appearance while incorporating multiple discreet updates to enhance its durability for daily use.

The original WW2 watches made for the Wehrmacht, Kriegsmarine, and Luftwaffe were produced by numerous Swiss and German manufacturers, including Aeschbach, which was founded in 1923 and continues to exist today. Collecting German military watches can be challenging due to the sheer number of suppliers at the time, comprising over 100 different manufacturers.

A group of military watch enthusiasts has compiled a list of these manufacturers, which can be found on their website at this link: WW2 German Watches. The list is nearly complete, and they would appreciate it if anyone could fill in the remaining gaps.

This particular watch has a solid stainless steel case made from military-grade 316L stainless steel, a subsidiary dial second hand, a screw-down crown, a hacking function, a black dial, and luminous markings.

Specifications:

• Case Diameter: 36.5 mm excluding crown, 39 mm including crown
• Lug to Lug: 43 mm
• Thickness: 12.5 mm
• Lug Type: Spring strap bars
• Dial Colour: Black
• Case Material: 316L stainless steel
• Caseback: 316L stainless steel
• Crown: Stainless steel screw-down locking crown
• Water Resistance: 100m / 330ft / 10 ATM
• Movement: Swiss Hand-Wound Mechanical 24 Jewel Sellita SW216
• Crystal: Shatter & Scratch Resistant Box Sapphire with Anti-Reflective Coating
• Luminous Material: Luminova
• Serial number on caseback
• Strap: Black Leather
• Supplied in a box
• 24 Months Guarantee

The History of Aeschbach Watches

The original WW2 watches made for the Wehrmacht, Kriegsmarine, and Luftwaffe were produced by numerous Swiss and German manufacturers, including Aeschbach, which was founded in 1923 and continues to exist today.

Aeschbach watches were a leading WWII manufacturer but faced significant misfortune during the war because they were located in Pforzheim, a town in southwestern Germany that was heavily bombed. The largest and most devastating raid was conducted by the Royal Air Force (RAF) on the evening of February 23, 1945. This attack resulted in the deaths of approximately 17,600 people, or 31.4% of the town's population, and destroyed about 83% of Pforzheim's buildings. The raid devastated two-thirds of the town and between 80% and 100% of the inner city. The Aeschbach workshops were completely destroyed, meaning that the watches could no longer be manufactured.

However, the company saw a revival some years ago when a family member, while sorting through an elderly deceased relative's belongings, discovered that many of the original technical drawings and a quantity of watches had survived. This find enabled him to devise a plan to restart the company, marking the return of Aeschbach watches.

Why Choose Sapphire Crystal Over Plexiglass?

Synthetic sapphire is the best material for watch crystals because it is strong, shatter-resistant, and scratch-resistant. These characteristics make it appealing to military and security personnel, police officers, and people who lead active outdoor lifestyles, who account for over 70% of our customers. The original plexiglass crystals, made of a plastic/acrylic material, were frequently used until the 1980s but were easily scratched and cracked, limiting the watch's water resistance. When clients manage to crack a crystal, over 90% of the time it is usually watches with mineral glass or plexiglass crystals. Even hardened mineral crystals do not compare to sapphire in durability under adverse conditions. After the sapphire glass is manufactured, it is heat-treated to remove internal stresses, which can cause weakness. It is then made into watch crystals, and two layers of anti-reflective coating are applied. Although sapphire crystal is more expensive, it is typically only fitted to higher specification watches.

SWISS SELLITA SW216 MOVEMENT WINDING GUIDELINES

To wind the SW216 from an empty state to full, you'll need approximately 20 to 25 turns of the crown (most other hand-wound watches need 30 to 40 turns, so this movement needs significantly fewer). Once fully wound, the watch boasts an average power reserve of around 42 hours. Exercise caution during the winding process because when the locking crown is secured, it adds an additional 3 or 4 winds while being screwed down, so this must be factored in. Most hand-wound watches of this type lack a screw-down crown, which we added to increase the water resistance rating to 100m/330ft.

For those who wear the watch daily and wind it consistently, say, every morning, a slight variation in the number of turns will not significantly impact the overall power reserve because it will be well below the maximum of around 42 hours.

Some users have reported that approximately 15/17 turns are sufficient when winding every 24 hours. This seems logical because the watch would not need a full wind after 24 hours. Nevertheless, individual preferences may vary, and most owners tend to develop a sense of the optimal winding routine within the first few days of ownership.

Above all, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of not overwinding the watch, which could lead to locking up issues or, worse, damage or breakage of the mainspring. Adhering to the recommended winding procedures ensures the longevity and proper functioning of the timepiece.

To clarify, overwinding occurs when a mechanism is wound beyond its designated stopping point, posing the risk of damage or destruction to the winding mechanism. Overwinding is a concern primarily for manually-wound watches, not for automatic watches, which normally cannot be overwound.

* MWC are official distributors for Aeschbach watches.

• Delivery

  • Shipping Information

    Europe, UK, and Rest of World

    Tracked Mail:

    • Europe: €11.50 / £9.99 / US$12.75
    • UK: £9.99 (Small items, e.g., 1 or 2 straps: £5.99)
    • Rest of World: US$22.25 / €20.00 / £17.50

    Express Courier (UPS or FedEx):

    • Europe: €23.00 / £19.99 / US$25.50
    • UK (UPS/DPD): £12.95
    • Rest of World: US$44.50 / €40.00 / £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.

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    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.