Aeschbach WW2 Pattern Germany Luftwaffe / Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) Pilots Watch with 23 Jewel Swiss Sellita SW216 Hand Winding Movement and Sapphire Crystal - Special Introductory Price

SKU: AESC/DUH1CH

The Aeschbach AESC/DUH1CH is a classic hand-wound military watch inspired by the timepieces originally supplied to the German Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe during the Second World War. Powered by a Swiss 23-jewel Sellita SW216 movement with a traditional subsidiary seconds display, it faithfully recreates the appearance of an original wartime watch while incorporating modern engineering for everyday reliability.

This model draws heavily on one of Aeschbach's own historic wartime designs. Original WWII examples are now exceptionally scarce and highly sought after by collectors, often commanding substantial prices. Externally, this watch remains remarkably faithful to those original factory-produced models while discreetly incorporating a number of important technical improvements.

Although almost indistinguishable from its wartime predecessor, the modern version features 100 metres of water resistance, a box-shaped sapphire crystal that faithfully reproduces the appearance of the original acrylic crystal, and a Swiss-made 23-jewel Sellita SW216 hand-wound movement replacing the original 15-jewel calibre. The result is an authentic vintage military watch with the reliability, durability and practicality expected of a modern timepiece.

The original watches issued to the Wehrmacht, Kriegsmarine and Luftwaffe were produced by a surprisingly large number of Swiss and German manufacturers. Aeschbach, established in 1923, was among these historic makers and continues to produce military-inspired watches today. While British military collectors are often familiar with the famous "Dirty Dozen" watches, collecting German WWII military watches is considerably more challenging due to the enormous number of manufacturers involved—believed to have exceeded 100 different suppliers.

This watch features a robust 316L stainless steel case, black military dial, luminous hands and markers, traditional subsidiary seconds display and a hacking hand-wound movement for precise time setting.

Specifications

• Case Diameter: 36.5 mm (excluding crown), 39 mm (including crown)
• Lug to Lug: 43 mm
• Thickness: 12.5 mm
• Lug Width: 18 mm
• Lug Type: Standard spring bars
• Dial Colour: Black
• Case Material: 316L Stainless Steel
• Caseback: 316L Stainless Steel
• Crown: Screw-down 316L Stainless Steel
• Water Resistance: 100m / 330ft / 10 ATM
• Movement: Swiss Hand-Wound Sellita SW216, 23 Jewels
• Crystal: Box Sapphire Crystal with Anti-Reflective Coating
• Luminous Material: Luminova
• Serial Number: Individually engraved on the caseback
• Strap: 18 mm Black Leather
• Presentation: Supplied in a presentation box
• Guarantee: 24 Months

Why Sapphire Crystal?

Many customers ask why sapphire crystal is considered superior to conventional mineral glass.

Synthetic sapphire is widely regarded as the premium material for watch crystals because it offers exceptional resistance to scratches, impacts and shattering. These qualities make it particularly popular with military personnel, police officers, emergency services, security professionals and anyone who leads an active outdoor lifestyle.

In practice, the overwhelming majority of cracked watch crystals seen during repairs are mineral glass rather than sapphire. Even hardened mineral glass cannot match sapphire's durability under demanding conditions.

The outstanding strength of sapphire crystal comes not only from the material itself but also from its manufacturing process. After production, each crystal is heat-treated to eliminate internal stresses that could otherwise create weak points. It is then precision-machined and finished with an anti-reflective coating to maximise clarity and legibility.

Because of its exceptional hardness and durability, sapphire is also used in a variety of premium electronic devices, including selected high-end smartphone components.

Naturally, these advantages come at a higher manufacturing cost, which is why sapphire crystals are generally found on higher-quality watches rather than entry-level models.

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.