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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Military stopwatch

LIP Chronographe à Retour Bombenabwurf Stoppuhr

Partially verified

This military stopwatch, identified as a 'Chronographe à Retour' produced for the French Air Force, is attributed to the French manufacturer LIP. It features a specialized bomb-release function, designed to calculate both elapsed flight time and remaining time to a target destination. The device is housed in a 46 mm diameter case with a rotating bezel and features a black dial with white markings, signed 'CHRONOGRAPHE A RETOUR LIP'. The internal construction includes a gold-plated lever movement equipped with a monometallic ring balance and a flat hairspring, with stop functions operated via a column wheel. The case back is engraved with the signature '348'. Attributed by literature to approximately 1933, the watch is noted for its rare bidirectional timing complication. The auction description indicates that the movement exhibits light signs of oxidation and reports that the watch runs, though its timekeeping precision remains unverified.

View of the LIP military stopwatch showing the notched rotating bezel, crown, and black dial.
View of the LIP military stopwatch showing the notched rotating bezel, crown, and black dial. — Sammler-Uhren. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
sammler-uhren.com
Category
Clock · Military stopwatch
Maker / attribution
LIP
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1933
Source-reported place
France
Source-reported serial
348

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 Design

The stopwatch features a 46 mm diameter case equipped with a functional rotating bezel, which allows for the adjustment of timing parameters. The design is intended for aviation use, specifically for bomb-release timing. The dial is finished in black with high-contrast white numerals and indices, facilitating rapid reading under varying conditions.

The movement is a gold-plated lever caliber characterized by a monometallic ring balance and a flat hairspring. The stop function is governed by a column wheel mechanism. While the watch is signed by LIP, literature indicates that the specific manufacturer of the internal movement remains unidentified.

Evidence for this section
  • “Gehäusedurchmesser: 46 mm (Drehlunette)”
  • “vergoldetes Ankerwerk mit monometallischer Ringunruh und Flachspirale, Stoppfunktion über Schaltrad”
  • “auch Konrad Knirim kann den Hersteller des Werkes nicht erkennen”

Operational Functionality

The primary complication of this instrument is its ability to time in both directions, allowing the operator to calculate both current flight duration and the time remaining until a target is reached.

The auction description confirms that the watch runs, although its accuracy and the precise performance of the bidirectional timing feature have not been professionally verified. The bezel and cover remain functional, with the cover closing flush to the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “Sie läuft vorwärts und rückwärts”
  • “Der Bombenschütze konnte damit sowohl die aktuelle Flugzeit berechnen als auch präzise die Zeit, die noch verbleibt bis zum Zielort rücklaufend.”
  • “Drehlünette funktioniert, Deckel bündig, läuft an und durch.”

Provenance and Condition

Attributed to approximately 1933, this piece is identified in Konrad Knirim's reference work, 'Militäruhren' (page 155).

Regarding its current physical state, the auction reports that the watch is in an excellent condition commensurate with its age, showing minor, recognizable signs of wear.

Evidence for this section
  • “Bombenabwurf Stoppuhr für die französische Luftwaffe”
  • “Literatur: Konrad Knirim, Militäruhren, Seite 155”
  • “EZ 1-2: Altersgemäß hervorragender Erhaltungszustand, normale, erkennbare Alters- oder Gebrauchsspuren, leichte Flugrostspuren im Werk”

Open research questions

  • Is there a specific technical name or caliber number for the movement found within this specific LIP military stopwatch?
  • What specific French Air Force technical specifications or procurement documents correspond to this 'Chronographe à Retour' model?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for LIP Chronographe à Retour Bombenabwurf Stoppuhr
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Attributed Datecirca 1933“laut Konrad Knirim – ca. 1933”
Case diameter46 mm“Gehäusedurchmesser: 46 mm”
Case back signature348“Bodensignatur "348”
Movement descriptionGold-plated lever movement with monometallic ring balance“vergoldetes Ankerwerk mit monometallischer Ringunruh und Flachspirale”
FunctionBidirectional timing for bomb release“Sie läuft vorwärts und rückwärts”

Visible details

  • Rotating bezel with a notched edge
  • Crown positioned at the 12 o'clock position with a separate pusher at 11 o'clock
  • Black dial with dual-scale markings and single central hand
  • Attached black leather strap with steel lugs

Research qualifications

  • Manufacturer of the movement is not identified by the source or literature
  • Precision and functional integrity of the bidirectional complication are unverified

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

Consulted source

LIP A Ritorno Reverso Bomben Abwurf Rücklauf Stoppuhr Luftwaffe 2. Weltkrieg

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 2eb02fadb2

Terms in this record

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