SKU Code: AESCDUH1CHA

Aeschbach WW2 Pattern Automatic Military Watch

This classic Aeschbach military watch is inspired by the timepieces used by the German Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe during the Second World War. Featuring a Swiss 31-jewel Sellita SW260 automatic movement and a traditional subsidiary seconds dial, it closely follows one of Aeschbach's original wartime designs.

While surviving examples of the original watches are now extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors, this model is outwardly almost indistinguishable from the factory's WW2 production. However, beneath its period-correct appearance lie a number of significant modern enhancements designed to improve durability, reliability, and everyday practicality.

The original 15-jewel hand-wound movement has been replaced by a premium Swiss-made 31-jewel Sellita SW260-1 self-winding automatic movement. The traditional acrylic crystal has also been upgraded to a shatter-resistant, scratch-resistant box sapphire crystal that faithfully replicates the appearance of the original plexiglass while offering vastly superior durability. In addition, water resistance has been increased to 100 metres through the use of modern sealing technology and a screw-down crown.

The result is a watch that preserves the authentic appearance and character of its wartime predecessor while incorporating discreet modern improvements that make it ideal for daily wear.

The original military watches supplied to the Wehrmacht, Kriegsmarine, and Luftwaffe were manufactured by numerous Swiss and German companies, including Aeschbach, a firm founded in 1923 that remains in existence today. Unlike Britain's famous "Dirty Dozen" military watches, collecting German military watches is considerably more challenging due to the sheer number of suppliers involved, with well over one hundred manufacturers producing military timepieces during the war years.

A group of military watch enthusiasts has compiled an extensive list of these manufacturers, which can be viewed here:

WW2 German Watches: https://military-watches.net/ww2-german-watches

The list is remarkably comprehensive, and the authors welcome additional information that may help fill the few remaining gaps.

This model features a solid 316L stainless steel case, screw-down crown, hacking seconds function, black dial, subsidiary seconds display, and luminous hands and markers for excellent legibility.

The Benefits of Sapphire Crystal

Many people ask about the advantages of sapphire crystal compared to standard mineral glass. Synthetic sapphire is widely regarded as the premium material for watch crystals due to its exceptional hardness, scratch resistance, and overall durability.

These qualities make sapphire crystal particularly well suited to military personnel, security professionals, police officers, emergency service workers, and anyone with an active outdoor lifestyle. In fact, these users represent a significant proportion of our customer base.

When watches suffer accidental damage, cracked crystals are far more commonly associated with mineral glass than sapphire. Even hardened mineral crystals cannot match the scratch resistance and long-term durability of sapphire under demanding conditions. Sapphire ranks 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamond, making it highly resistant to everyday wear and abrasion.

The sapphire used in watchmaking is manufactured under controlled conditions and then heat-treated to minimise internal stresses and maximise strength. The finished crystal is subsequently precision-machined and typically fitted with anti-reflective coatings to improve clarity and reduce glare.

While sapphire crystals are more expensive to produce than mineral glass, they are generally found on higher-end watches because of their superior performance and longevity. For many owners, the ability of a sapphire crystal to remain virtually scratch-free for years is one of the most valued features of a quality timepiece.

It is worth noting that some premium smartphones and electronic devices also use sapphire components to protect cameras and sensors, taking advantage of the same exceptional hardness and scratch resistance that make sapphire the preferred choice for high-quality watch crystals.

Historical Context: Aeschbach Watches

Aeschbach, established in 1923, was one of many Swiss and German manufacturers producing military watches during WWII for the Wehrmacht, Kriegsmarine, and Luftwaffe. Collecting these historical timepieces can be challenging due to the sheer number of manufacturers involved, with over 100 suppliers identified to date. A group of military watch enthusiasts has compiled a nearly comprehensive list of these manufacturers, which can be accessed on their website under "WWII German Watches." Contributions to fill in any gaps in their research are welcome. 

Historical details specifically regarding Aeschbach watches can also be seen at this Link https://drive.proton.me/urls/0RR77Z1R8W#pqREjqba4M1G

Tracked Mail

Europe: €11.75 / £9.99 / US$12.95
UK: £7.95 / €9.50 / US$10.50
Rest of World: US$22.75 / €20.50 / £17.50

Express Courier (UPS or FedEx)

Europe: €23.50 / £19.99 / US$25.95
UK (UPS/DPD): £12.95 / €15.25 / US$16.95
Rest of World: US$45.50 / €41.25 / £34.95

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If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you may return it within 14 days of receipt. Items must be unused, in original packaging, and in new, resalable condition. Returns cannot be accepted for worn items, removed protective films, or any signs of use beyond normal inspection.

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