Wristwatch · Observation wristwatch

IWC Luftwaffe Observation Wristwatch (B-Uhr)

Partially verified

This military observation wristwatch (B-Uhr) produced by IWC dates to 1940 and features a 55 mm metal case with an inner stainless steel cap. The matte black dial displays Arabic numerals, a minute track, luminous markers, blued steel hands, and a characteristic triangle flanked by two dots at the twelve o'clock position. The timepiece is powered by a gilded IWC calibre 52 movement modified to calibre 52 S.C. with indirect central seconds, a balance-stop mechanism operable via the large crown, a compensation balance, a Breguet balance spring, and swan-neck precision regulation. The case back bears military specification markings including FL 23883 and movement number 1014556.

IWC Luftwaffe observation wristwatch (B-Uhr), 1940. — Galerie + Auktionshaus Peter Klöter / Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source: www.invaluable.com
Category: Wristwatch · Observation wristwatch
Maker / attribution: IWC
Reference: FL 23883
Catalogue / lot identifier: 362
Source-reported date: 1940
Country: Switzerland
Source-reported serial: 1033896

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 Military Specification

The timepiece is identified as an IWC Luftwaffe observation wristwatch, manufactured in 1940. The construction includes a 55 mm metal case with a stainless steel back and an internally pressed stainless steel cover, which is noted to have scratches.

The case back features engravings, including the requirement number FL 23883, the movement number 1014556, and the mark 'B-Uhr Bauart: I.W.C.'.

Evidence for this section

“Metallgehäuse mit aufgedrücktem, rostfreiem Stahl-Innendeckel (Kratzer) und rostfreier Stahlboden mit Prägung: B-Uhr Bauart: I.W.C., Werk-Nr. 1014556, Anforderz. FL 23883”
“D = 55 mm”
“Baujahr 1940”

Dial and Visual Features

The dial is a black metal surface with Arabic numerals and a minute track. It features an upward-pointing triangle with two flanking dots at the 12 o'clock position.

The watch is equipped with blued steel hands. The source listing states that the numerals, markers, and hands are marked or coated with tritium.

Evidence for this section

“schwarzes Metallzifferblatt mit arabischen Tritium-Zahlen und Dreieck mit zwei Punkten als „12“”
“gebläute Stahlzeiger, belegt mit Tritium”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The movement is a gilded calibre 52, modified to calibre 52 S.C. with an indirect central seconds drive. Technical components described include a compensation balance, Breguet hairspring, and swan-neck regulation.

The watch features a balance-stop mechanism operable via the crown. The auctioneer describes the movement as 'intakt' (intact).

Evidence for this section

“vergoldetes Werk, cal. 52, erweitert auf cal. 52 S.C. mit Zentralsekunde und indirektem Antrieb”
“Sekundenstopp über abgeschrägte Original-Krone zur genauen Zeiteinstellung”
“Ankergang mit Kompensationsunruh, Breguet-Spirale und Schwanenhals-Feinregulierung, intakt”

Open research questions

Is the presence of tritium on a 1940-manufactured dial consistent with original production or a later service replacement?
What is the physical condition of the movement beyond the general 'intakt' (intact) description?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for IWC Luftwaffe Observation Wristwatch (B-Uhr)
Field	Source-reported value	Source quotation
Movement Number	1014556	“Werknummer 1014556”
Case Number	1033896	“Gehäusenummer 1033896”
Requirement Number	FL 23883	“Anforderz. FL 23883”
Calibre	cal. 52 S.C.	“cal. 52, erweitert auf cal. 52 S.C. mit Zentralsekunde”
Case Diameter	55 mm	“D = 55 mm”
Production Batch	1200 units	“1940 wurden mit den Werknummern 1013801-1015000 = 1200 Stück Kaliber 52 T.19‘‘‘, H 6 S.C. hergestellt”
Delivery Context	Supplied to Siegfried Heindorf, Berlin	“1940 wurden 1000 Stück mit den Gehäusenummern 1033201-1034200 an Siegfried Heindorf Berlin geliefert.”

Visible details

Matte black dial featuring an outer track, Arabic numerals 1 through 11, and an upward-pointing triangle with two flanking dots at 12.
Large fluted onion-style crown positioned at 3 o'clock.
Long blued steel handset with luminous inserts and a slender central seconds hand.

Research qualifications

The auction text describes luminous material as tritium, whereas period-correct WWII 1940 production typically utilised radium.
Movement condition is noted simply as intact by the auctioneer without complete timekeeping amplitude data.

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

Consulted source

Sold at Auction: IWC Luftwaffe observation wristwatch with central seconds, WW2, built in 1940,

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 5b38a17796

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