- 2063
A. Lange & Söhne
Description
- AN OVERSIZED STAINLESS STEEL CENTER SECONDS MILITARY PILOT'S WRISTWATCH NO 213174 CIRCA 1942
- diameter 55 mm
Condition
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."
Catalogue Note
To find any wartime relics, especially those which were flown, is a rare treat. The Beobachtungs-uhren pilot watch by A. Lange & Söhne has not only stood the test of time, but also has become a classic a🍸nd hist༺orical wristwatch.
The present lot was intentionally designed with a 55mm diameter to accommodate the hand-wound movements that is surrounded by an iron core, making the B-Uhr anti-magnetic – specially made for pilots use and a must for aviation. This classical piece displays an engraving on the left side of the case, FL2🌜3883 is engraved on the side, FL represented flieger and 23 identified the watch as a navigation watch.
Today, the B-Uhr style is extremely popular, with many watchmakers mimicking the style and producing some variation of it. The presented lots are Type A (lot 2062) and Type B (lot 2063) that produced in different period of the war🔯time. The genuine pieces from the 1940s are not easy to come across and are staple pieces for military issued watch connoisseur.