Aeschbach WW2 Pattern Luftwaffe / Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) Pilots Watch
THIS IS ONE OF 3 EX DISPLAY WATCHES FROM THE BORDER SECURITY EXPO SHOW REDUCED TO CLEAR THE WATCH IS NEW BUT IT WILL HAVE BEEN TRIED ON AND THE PACKAGING IS A BIT BATTERED. This hand-wound Aeschbach WW2 pattern military watch is a faithful recreation of the original designs used by the German Luftwaffe, issued by the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) during the war. While the original Aeschbach watches from WW2 are now rare and highly valuable, this modern recreation is nearly identical to the factory's wartime models. It features the same acrylic crystal as the originals but upgrades the movement to a 17-jewel hand-wound mechanical movement for improved reliability and performance in daily use. The original WW2 military watches, including those made for the Wehrmacht, Kriegsmarine, and Luftwaffe, were produced by over 100 different Swiss and German manufacturers, including Aeschbach, which was founded in 1923.
The complex history of collecting German military watches lies in the sheer number of suppliers during the era. A detailed list of these manufacturers has been compiled by military watch enthusiasts and is available on their website: WW2 German Watches.Contributions to fill any gaps in the list are appreciated. Authentic Design : Based on Aeschbach's original WW2 watches for the Luftwaffe, with a small subsidiary second-hand dial and hacking function.
Robust Construction : Stainless steel case made from military-grade 316L stainless steel. Clear Readability : Black dial with luminous markings and a subsidiary seconds dial. Historical Accuracy : Retains the same external appearance as the original, with discreet modern enhancements for better performance.
Case Diameter : 36.5 mm (excluding crown), 39 mm (including crown). Lug to Lug : 43 mm. Lug Type : Spring strap bars.
Case Material : 316L stainless steel. Crown : Screw-down 316L stainless steel. Water Resistance : 5 ATM (50 meters).
Movement : 17-jewel hand-wound mechanical movement with 36-hour power reserve. Serial Number : Engraved on caseback. Packaging : Supplied in a box.
We are an official distributor for Aeschbach watches. The History of Aeschbach Watches. Aeschbach, founded in 1923, is a Swiss-German watchmaker renowned for its historical significance, particularly for producing military watches for the Wehrmacht, Kriegsmarine, and Luftwaffe. Unfortunately, the company suffered greatly due to its location in Pforzheim, Germany, a town devastated by the Royal Air Force's bombing on February 23, 1945.
This raid destroyed over 80% of the town and killed about 17,600 people, halting Aeschbach's production after its workshops were completely wiped out. Today, the brand is celebrated for reviving its iconic designs, paying homage to its wartime contributions while incorporating modern improvements. Aeschbach saw it's revival when a family member rediscovered a collection of original technical drawings and surviving watches.
This discovery allowed the company to restart production and continue its legacy today. Essential Winding Instructions and Guidelines.
To fully wind your watch from an empty state, approximately 30 turns of the crown are required. Unlike many hand-wound watches, which may need 40 or more turns, this movement requires fewer. Once fully wound, the watch will have an average power reserve of 36 hours. It's important to wind the watch with care to avoid any damage.
For those who wind their watch daily, a slight variation in the number of turns won't significantly affect the power reserve, as it will remain below the 36-hour maximum. Many users find that 25 turns are sufficient when winding the watch every 24 hours, as the watch does not require a full wind if it hasn't run down completely.
However, personal preferences may vary, and most owners will develop an optimal winding routine after a few days of use. Avoid Overwinding : Stop winding the watch as soon as you feel resistance on the crown. Overwinding can cause the mainspring to lock up or break, resulting in damage to the mechanism. Following the recommended winding procedures will ensure the longevity and proper functioning of your timepiece. Overwinding occurs when a watch is wound beyond its mechanical limit, which can damage or destroy the winding mechanism.
This is a risk primarily for manually-wound watches. Automatic watches, however, are designed so that they cannot be overwound.
By adhering to these guidelines, you will help maintain your watch in peak condition for years to come.