Aeschbach WW2 Pattern German Wehrmacht & Luftwaffe Dienstuhr (Army/Airforce Service Watch) with 21 Jewel Automatic Mechanical Movement
Description
SKU Code: ABACH/DUHR2
This automatic, self-winding WWII-pattern Aeschbach military watch is closely based on designs used by the Wehrmacht and the Luftwaffe during the Second World War. Featuring a small subsidiary seconds dial, black dial, and period-correct acrylic crystal, it faithfully reflects the style and proportions of original wartime German military watches.
This model is closely based on one of Aeschbach’s WWII designs. While genuine originals are now rare and command high prices, this modern recreation is outwardly almost indistinguishable from the factory’s original WW2 models. It retains the acrylic (plexiglass) crystal used during the period, preserving the authentic vintage appearance.
Internally, the original 15-jewel hand-wound mechanical movement has been upgraded to a 21-jewel self-winding automatic movement, which can also be manually wound if required. This discreet update improves reliability and convenience while keeping the watch true to its historic roots.
Historical Context
During WWII, watches for the Wehrmacht, Kriegsmarine, and Luftwaffe were produced by a large number of Swiss and German manufacturers. Many of these companies—Aeschbach, founded in 1923, among them—continue to exist today.
While British military watch collectors often focus on the well-known “Dirty Dozen,” collecting the German equivalents is considerably more challenging due to the sheer number of suppliers involved, which exceeded 100 different manufacturers during the war.
A group of military watch enthusiasts has compiled an extensive list of these manufacturers, which can be found here:
https://military-watches.net/ww2-german-watches
The list appears to be almost complete, and no doubt they would welcome assistance in filling the remaining gaps.
Construction & Features
This watch features a solid 316L military-grade stainless steel case, hacking seconds function, luminous markings, and a black dial consistent with many original German military watches of the period.
Specifications
- Case Diameter: 36.5 mm (excluding crown), 39 mm (including crown)
- Lug-to-Lug: 43 mm
- Thickness: 13.5 mm
- Lug Type: Drilled
- Case Material: 316L stainless steel
- Caseback: 316L stainless steel
- Crown: 316L stainless steel
- Dial: Black, with luminous markers
- Seconds: Small subsidiary seconds dial
- Movement: 21-jewel automatic (self-winding & manual-wind)
- Hacking Function: Yes
- Crystal: Plexiglass / Perspex (acrylic)
- Water Resistance: 5 ATM / 50 m**
- Luminous Material: Luminova
- Strap: Black leather
- Serial Number: Engraved on caseback
- Packaging: Supplied in presentation box
- Guarantee: 24-month warranty
* We are official distributors for Aeschbach watches.
** While water-resistant to 5 ATM, this watch is not intended for swimming, diving, or heavy water exposure.
Shipping Information
Delivery Charges – Worldwide
Europe
- Tracked Mail: €14.95 / £12.50 / US$16.95
- Express Courier (UPS/FedEx): €28.00 / £23.50 / US$31.75
United Kingdom
- Tracked Mail: £9.95
- Small Items (e.g., 1–2 straps): £5.95
- Express Courier (UPS/DPD): £12.50
Rest of the World
- Tracked Mail: US$23.75 / €20.95 / £17.50
- Express Courier (UPS/FedEx): US$39.25 / €34.50 / £29.00
More information on shipping can be found here.
