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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Military observation watch

A. Lange & Söhne B-Uhr Observation Watch

Partially verified

This military observation watch, designated B-Uhr (Beobachtungsuhr), originates from the period of the Second World War. It was produced by the German manufacturer A. Lange & Söhne in Glashütte. Final assembly is attributed to L. G. Wien according to the watch's internal case markings. The watch features a 55 mm diameter nickel case with a press-fit back and displays the military aviation code Fl. 23883 on the case side. The movement is an A. Lange & Söhne caliber 48.1, a gold-plated manual-wind movement equipped with a seconds-stop hacking mechanism, a Breguet hairspring, and a swan-neck regulator. The timepiece operates but its precision is untested, and the crystal shows signs of wear and is noted as potentially being a replacement part.

Front view of the A. Lange & Söhne B-Uhr observation watch, showing the Baumuster B dial and riveted strap.
Front view of the A. Lange & Söhne B-Uhr observation watch, showing the Baumuster B dial and riveted strap. — Zamanito / Sammler-Uhren. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
zamanito.com
Category
Wristwatch · Military observation watch
Maker / attribution
A. Lange & Söhne
Reference
Fl. 23883
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1940
Source-reported place
Germany
Source-reported serial
210695

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Design

The watch is housed in a 55 mm diameter nickel case featuring a press-fit (Druckboden) back. The side of the case is engraved with the military aviation code Fl. 23883, indicating its specific design for navigation use. The exterior of the case back displays the serial number 210695.

The dial is designed according to the 'Baumuster B' pattern, which is characterized by a black surface featuring a prominent outer ring for minute markings and a smaller, inner circle for hour markings. The dial includes luminescent hands and indices. While the luminous material remains present, its functional integrity is noted for further evaluation by collectors.

Evidence for this section
  • “قاب ساعت از جنس نیکل و با قطر چشمگیر ۵۵ میلی‌متر طراحی شده و درب پشت آن فشاری (Druckboden) است.”
  • “در حاشیه بیرونی قاب، کد استاندارد هوانوردی Fl. 23883 حک شده”
  • “صفحه ساعت از نوع معروف «الگوی ب» (Baumuster B) به رنگ مشکی است”

Movement and Mechanical Features

Powering the watch is an A. Lange & Söhne caliber 48.1, a gold-plated, manual-winding movement. A primary technical feature of this movement is the seconds-stop (hacking) mechanism, which allows the user to halt the balance wheel for precise synchronization.

Additional technical components include a large compensation balance, a Breguet hairspring, and a swan-neck micrometer regulator for fine adjustment. The movement serial number matches the number found on the case back and interior case lid, which is 210695. The movement is documented as operational and running, though no tests regarding its chronometric accuracy have been performed.

Evidence for this section
  • “موتور ساعت کالیبر اختصاصی 48.1 ساخت A. Lange & Söhne با آبکاری طلا است که به مکانیزم توقف ثانیه (Seconds Stop / Hacking) جهت هماهنگ‌سازی دقیق زمان مجهز است.”
  • “این مکانیزم دارای چرخ‌دنگ و لنگر فولادی، بالانس بزرگ جبران حرارتی، فنر بالانس برگه (Breguet) و رگلاژ دقیق میکرومتری گردن قو (Swan-neck regulator) بوده”

Signatures and Identification

The internal case back provides comprehensive identification details, including the maker's name (Lange & Söhne), the device number (Gerät Nr. 127-560A-1), and the order code (Fl 23883). Crucially, it identifies the firm L. G. Wien as having performed the final assembly of the watch, distinguishing it from those completed directly by the primary manufacturer.

The correspondence of the serial number 210695 across the case back, the interior lid, and the movement components is highlighted as a significant factor for authentication.

Evidence for this section
  • “داخل درب پشت نیز مشخصات کامل نظامی شامل نام طرح (Lange & Söhne)، شماره دستگاه (Gerät Nr. 127-560A-1)، شماره موتور (Werk-Nr. 210695)، کد سفارش (Fl 23883) و نام سازنده/مونتاژکننده (L. G. Wien) نقش بسته است.”
  • “تطابق شماره سریال ۲۱۰۶۹۵ روی پوسته بیرونی درب، پلاک مشخصات داخلی درب و قطعات موتور یک نکته کلیدی است.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific historical role of L. G. Wien in the final assembly of B-Uhr watches produced by A. Lange & Söhne?
  • Are there archival records that can verify the luminous material composition used on the Baumuster B dials during the circa 1940 production period?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for A. Lange & Söhne B-Uhr Observation Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerA. Lange & Söhne“توسط سازنده سرشناس آلمانی A. Lange & Söhne در گلاسهوته (Glashütte i.Sa.) ساخته شده”
MovementCaliber 48.1“موتور ساعت کالیبر اختصاصی 48.1 ساخت A. Lange & Söhne با آبکاری طلا است”
Case materialNickel“قاب ساعت از جنس نیکل و با قطر چشمگیر ۵۵ میلی‌متر طراحی شده”
Military codeFl. 23883“در حاشیه بیرونی قاب، کد استاندارد هوانوردی Fl. 23883 حک شده”
AssemblyL. G. Wien“مونتاژ نهایی آن بر اساس اطلاعات درج‌شده در درب ساعت توسط شرکت L. G. Wien انجام گرفته است.”
Serial number210695“شماره سریال ۲۱۰۶۹۵ بر روی آن مطابقت دارد.”
Crystal conditionPotentially non-original“طلق ساعت دارای خط و خش بوده و طبق منبع احتمالاً در گذشته تعویض شده و غیراصل است.”

Visible details

  • Large 55mm nickel case with crown at 12 o'clock
  • Baumuster B dial layout with central hour ring and outer minute track
  • Fl. 23883 aviation code engraved on the case side
  • Leather strap with rivets visible in photos

Research qualifications

  • Condition of luminous material on dial and hands requires verification
  • Accuracy of mechanical timekeeping has not been tested

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Lange & Söhne Fliegeruhr RLM NAV B-Uhr Beobachtungsuhr Reichs Luftwaffe WK 2

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record feea866678

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.