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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Stoppuhr

Herrmann Bark Kiel Kriegsmarine Torpedo Laufzeit Stoppuhr

Partially verified

This object is a Kriegsmarine torpedo stopwatch, attributed to the World War II era. It features a 55mm diameter case with a hinged back cover and an inner dust cover. The white dial is signed "Herm. Bark Kiel" and includes black Arabic numerals for the main timing scale, with a smaller subsidiary register at the top. The vendor identifies Hermann Bark of Kiel as a supplier of chronometers and specialty clocks to the Kriegsmarine during the war. The piece is described as having "no 2780" engraved on the rear. Its operational status is reported as functional, with signs of usage consistent with age, categorized as condition "EZ 2".

Front view of the Herrmann Bark Kiel torpedo stopwatch showing the dial and subsidiary register.
Front view of the Herrmann Bark Kiel torpedo stopwatch showing the dial and subsidiary register. — Sammler-Uhren. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
sammler-uhren.com
Category
Pocket watch · Stoppuhr
Maker / attribution
Herrmann Bark Kiel
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1939-1945
Source-reported place
Germany
Source-reported serial
No 2780

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

Dial and Case Construction

The stopwatch is housed in a 55mm diameter case, described as a three-part construction featuring an inner protective dust cover for the movement. The case exhibits signs of age and previous usage, identified by the seller as condition grade EZ 2.

The dial is finished in white and retains its original, unrestored condition. It displays Arabic numerals for the timing indications and is signed centrally near the bottom with the text "Herm. Bark Kiel". The display includes an auxiliary seconds register positioned at the top of the dial face.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gehäusedurchmesser: mächtige 55mm”
  • “Dreideckeluhr mit innerem Werkschutzdeckel”
  • “weißes, unrestauriertes Zifferblatt”
  • “signiert "Herm. Bark Kiel”

Military Markings and Provenance

The exterior of the case back serves as the primary indicator of its military provenance.

Following the emblem is the letter "M" and the individual identifier "No 2780". The vendor states that Hermann Bark, based in Kiel, served as a primary supplier for various precision timekeeping instruments, including chronometers and special-purpose clocks, for the German naval forces during the Second World War.

Evidence for this section
  • “trägt die bekannte Signatur der deutschen Kriegsmarine: ein großes "M”
  • “Hermann Bark aus Kiel war einer der Hauptlieferanten von Chronometern, Stoppuhren und Spezial- oder Einbauuhren der Kriegsmarine im 2. Weltkrieg.”

Condition and Status

The auction description reports that the stopwatch is currently in a functional state. The seller notes that the watch is able to start and run, although the specific timing precision has not been assessed or verified for this listing.

The cosmetic condition of the piece is rated as EZ 2. This rating is supported by the seller's observation that the item displays minor, expected traces of age and wear resulting from its previous use, while remaining in an authentic state.

Evidence for this section
  • “Das gesuchte Stück Militäruhrengeschichte läuft an und durch (Ganggenauigkeit nicht geprüft).”
  • “EZ 2 - normale, kaum erkennbare Alters- und gebrauchsbedingte Nutzungsspuren”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber used within the Herrmann Bark Kiel torpedo stopwatch?
  • Can the serial number "No 2780" be cross-referenced with known Kriegsmarine procurement or inventory logs for precision instruments?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Herrmann Bark Kiel Kriegsmarine Torpedo Laufzeit Stoppuhr
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerHerrmann Bark Kiel“Hermann Bark aus Kiel”
FunctionTorpedo laufzeit Stoppuhr“Torpedo Laufzeit Stoppuhr / Beobachtungsuhr”
Case Diameter55mm“Gehäusedurchmesser: mächtige 55mm”
Dial SignatureHerm. Bark Kiel“signiert "Herm. Bark Kiel”
MarkingsKriegsmarine eagle and M“trägt die bekannte Signatur der deutschen Kriegsmarine: ein großes "M”
ConstructionDreideckeluhr“Dreideckeluhr mit innerem Werkschutzdeckel”

Visible details

  • 55mm case diameter
  • Engraved eagle and swastika Kriegsmarine emblem
  • White dial with subsidiary seconds dial
  • Fluted crown with pendant ring

Research qualifications

  • Operational accuracy is not tested or guaranteed
  • Manufacturing date is estimated based on the historical period attribution

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

Consulted source

Herrmann Bark Kiel orig. Kriegsmarine WK 2 Torpedo laufzeit Stoppuhr Weltkrieg

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record bdfa483ac2

Terms in this record

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