World War II German Navigators Watch-Wempe Valjoux 61

WORLD  WAR II LUFTWAFFE NAVIGATORS  WATCH:

This is a rare example of a German Navigators wrist watch due to the fact that it has a chronograph movement, I know of another two (one belongs to a renown collector) but this is the first one I have actually seen.

For those of you who are not familiar with these watches most of them were produced with a non chronograph movement, just very large 17-19 ligne pocket watch movements fitted with a centre seconds mechanism. Five companies produced these watches for the Air Ministry: Lange&Sohne, IWC, Laco, Stowa and Wempe.

During the late 30's and early 40's,they provided the Ministry with a watch that had to be of a specific design , from the outside they would have all looked the same yet would have used there own movements or purchased movements from  from Switzerland (IWC complete watch from Switzerland). All of these Pilots watches were 55mm in diameter and would have been worn over the flying suit with a very large leather strap. Engraved on the inside of the case back is Chronometer Werke.Gerhard D. Wempe.Hamburg. Engraved on the outside.R L M (Reichs-Luftfahrfministerium) Nav B-Uhr (Navigators Watch) 0685.

The watches marked RLM Nav B-Uhr were not precision timepieces but met the needs of the Luftwaffe when action became limited towards the end of the war.Supplies in general were difficult and these watches had adapted chronograph movements (Valjoux Calibre 61 and Minerva Calibre 19-9ch).The watch being sold hasnt been adapted but instead remained a chronograph using the calibre Valjoux 61 ,because this is not a Chronometer there was never any form of documentation available for this type of watch Chronograph or non Chronograph.

This watch is in very good condition,the dial is free of scrathes and major marks,I have tried to show in the photos where the Luminous numbers have overlapped the Sub dials, the luminous is original though the hands have been re lumed at somepoint,the plastic glass is scratched and has cahanged colour with age,this can be changed if requested at an additional cost.. The case shows some wear, the single button crown works well and the movement/chronograph function also works as it should. The movement has been serviced in our own workshop and comes with a 2 year guarantee. Non waterproof