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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Mechanical wristwatch

Diehl D157 manual-wind wristwatch

Partially verified

This vintage German men's wristwatch by Diehl is powered by a manual-wind mechanical movement designated caliber D157 according to source documentation. The round, gold-toned case measures approximately 31 mm in diameter excluding the crown and is fitted with a stainless steel caseback marked as shockproof and water-protected. The light dial features applied gold-toned baton markers, stylized Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o'clock, slender pointed hands, and a central seconds hand. The dial is marked with the Diehl logo below the 12 position and 'MADE IN GERMANY' at the bottom edge, attached to an expandable metal bracelet.

Front view of the Diehl manual-wind wristwatch dial and gold-toned case on bracelet
Front view of the Diehl manual-wind wristwatch dial and gold-toned case on bracelet — annet-illusive / uhrerbe.com. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
uhrerbe.com
Category
Wristwatch · Mechanical wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Diehl
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
33673
Source-reported date
1920-1970
Country
Germany

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 Bracelet Construction

The wristwatch features a round gold-toned case with an approximate diameter reported as 31 mm excluding the crown. A flexible, expandable gold-toned metal bracelet is fitted to the watch.

While the front shows a gold-toned finish matching the bracelet and dial markers, the caseback is reported in the source description to be stainless steel and inscribed with manufacturer designations.

Evidence for this section
  • “Der Gehäusedurchmesser beträgt ca. 31mm ohne die Krone”
  • “Fitted with an expandable flexible gold-toned metal bracelet.”
  • “auf der Rückseite steht: Stainless Steel Back, Shockproof, Waterprotected”

Dial Layout and Markings

The analog display is set on a light dial face accented by stylized Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 alongside baton hour markers and an outer minute track.

Slender pointed hands and a long central seconds hand track the time. Directly below the 12 o'clock numeral, the dial is marked 'Diehl', while 'MADE IN GERMANY' is printed along the lower edge of the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “Light dial featuring stylized Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 alongside baton hour markers and an outer minute track.”
  • “Gold-toned case with matching hands and a long central seconds hand.”
  • “Marked 'Diehl' below the 12 o'clock numeral and 'MADE IN GERMANY' along the lower edge of the dial.”

Reported Movement and Markings

The internal mechanism is listed by the source as a manual-wind mechanical movement designated caliber D157. According to the source entry, the movement itself is inscribed 'D157, Made in Germany, G1'.

Because the movement and caseback are not visible in the provided photograph, these inscriptions and specifications rely strictly on the source contributor's listing. Inscribed notations such as 'Shockproof' and 'Waterprotected' reflect period markings rather than verified modern physical attributes.

Evidence for this section
  • “Uhrwerk: Mechanisch: Handaufzug”
  • “auf dem Werk D157, Made in Germany, G1”
  • “auf der Rückseite steht: Stainless Steel Back, Shockproof, Waterprotected”

Open research questions

  • What specific technical architecture, jewel count, and escapement type correspond to the Diehl D157 caliber?
  • What does the 'G1' stamp on the movement plate indicate regarding production batch or caliber variant?
  • Is the expandable metal bracelet original to the watch or an aftermarket addition?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Diehl D157 manual-wind wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement CaliberD157“auf dem Werk D157, Made in Germany, G1”
Movement TypeManual-wind mechanical“Uhrwerk: Mechanisch: Handaufzug”
Case DiameterApproximately 31 mm without crown“Der Gehäusedurchmesser beträgt ca. 31mm ohne die Krone”
Country of ManufactureGermany“Herstellungsland und -region: Deutschland”
Caseback InscriptionStainless Steel Back, Shockproof, Waterprotected“auf der Rückseite steht: Stainless Steel Back, Shockproof, Waterprotected”
Movement InscriptionD157, Made in Germany, G1“auf dem Werk D157, Made in Germany, G1”
Source ClassificationMen's vintage watch (1920-1970)“Geschlecht: Herren Alter: Vintage (1920-1970)”
Display FormatAnalog“Anzeigeformat: Analog”

Visible details

  • Light dial featuring stylized Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 alongside baton hour markers and an outer minute track.
  • Gold-toned case with matching hands and a long central seconds hand.
  • Fitted with an expandable flexible gold-toned metal bracelet.
  • Marked 'Diehl' below the 12 o'clock numeral and 'MADE IN GERMANY' along the lower edge of the dial.

Research qualifications

  • The movement and caseback inscriptions are reported by the source contributor and are not visible in the provided photograph.
  • Water resistance and shock protection statements represent manufacturer inscriptions rather than verified functional capabilities.

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

Consulted source

Mechanische Diehl Herrenarmbanduhr Mit Handaufzug Werk Diehl D157

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 13ca304424

Terms in this record

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

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