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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Military flyback chronograph

Heuer Bundeswehr Flyback Chronograph, Ref. 1550 SG

Partially verified

This military flyback chronograph by Heuer, reference 1550 SG, is dated circa 1972 by the auction house. Identified with case number 5780, it features a 43 mm steel case fitted with a bidirectional rotating bezel graduated with a 60-minute scale. The catalog reports a screw-down caseback engraved with Bundeswehr military markings, including stock number 6645-12-146-3774. The black dial presents Arabic numerals, tritium-luminous elements, and two subsidiary counters. The watch is powered by a manual-winding Valjoux calibre 230 flyback movement and is mounted on a black bund-style strap.

Front view of Heuer Bundeswehr chronograph ref. 1550 SG on black strap
Front view of Heuer Bundeswehr chronograph ref. 1550 SG on black strap — Auktionen Dr. H. Crott. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
drouot.com
Category
Wristwatch · Military flyback chronograph
Maker / attribution
Heuer
Reference
1550 SG
Catalogue / lot identifier
446
Source-reported date
circa 1972
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
5780

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

Construction and Exterior

The watch features a 43 mm steel case with a bidirectional rotating bezel calibrated with a 60-minute scale. The dial displays a bi-compax layout with subsidiary counters positioned at the 3 and 9 o'clock marks, and a Heuer shield logo beneath the 12 o'clock position.

The timepiece is presented on a leather bund-style strap. The screw-down case back is reported to bear a military engraving featuring the stock number 6645-12-146-3774.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dimensions 43 mm”
  • “bidirectional rotating bezel with 60-minute scale”
  • “screw-down back with military engraving: BUNDESWEHR 6645-12-146-3774”

Dial and Mechanism

The black dial includes tritium-luminous numerals and hands. The watch is driven by a manual-winding Valjoux 230 movement.

The auction house reports the movement to be in working order, with a cleaning recommended.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: Black, tritium-luminous numerals and hands.”
  • “Cal. Valjoux 230”
  • “Movement: Manual-winding.”
  • “Movement: very good, in working order, cleaning recommended.”

Documentation and Attribution

The watch is identified as reference 1550 SG with case number 5780, attributed by the source to circa 1972. The source describes the item as a military flyback chronograph associated with the Bundesluftwaffe.

The provided source material is a translation from a German catalogue. Physical inspection of the internal movement and the case back markings was not performed as part of this review.

Evidence for this section
  • “Ref. 1550 SG”
  • “Case No. 5780”
  • “circa 1972”
  • “A large military flyback chronograph from the Bundesluftwaffe”

Open research questions

  • Verify the presence and condition of the case back engraving via direct inspection or photographic evidence.
  • Confirm the internal state and service history of the Valjoux 230 movement.
  • Evaluate the consistency of serial number 5780 with known production batches for the Heuer 1550 SG.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Heuer Bundeswehr Flyback Chronograph, Ref. 1550 SG
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference1550 SG“Ref. 1550 SG”
CalibreValjoux 230“Cal. Valjoux 230”
Case Number5780“Case No. 5780”
Diameter43 mm“Dimensions 43 mm”
Military EngravingBUNDESWEHR 6645-12-146-3774“screw-down back with military engraving: BUNDESWEHR 6645-12-146-3774”
Movement TypeManual-winding“Movement: Manual-winding.”
Military Stock Number6645-12-146-3774“stock no. 6645-12-146-3774”

Visible details

  • Bi-compax chronograph layout with sub-dials at 3 and 9 o'clock
  • Bidirectional black bezel with silver triangle and minute numerals
  • Heuer shield logo below the 12 o'clock numeral
  • Mounted on a black leather bund-style strap

Research qualifications

  • Case back engraving and movement are not shown in the provided photograph
  • Auction text is translated via DeepL from an original catalogue entry

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

Consulted source

Heuer - BundeswehrA large military flyback chr... | Wristwatches: bids

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record c725c8e7fc

Terms in this record

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

Other military flyback chronograph records