WWII Luftwaffe Laco B-Uhr Pilot’s Watch (No Strap)

This watch is in good aesthetic and functional condition. It does not come with a strap. Straps that fit this watch are available from Laco here. 

The Laco B-Uhr watch, or Beobachtungsuhr, was originally designed in the late 1930s for the Luftwaffe as a crucial navigational tool. Its 55mm size allowed for easy readability, with a black dial, white Arabic numerals, and luminous hands. The watches featured anti-magnetic properties, a hacking mechanism, and a long leather strap to fit over flight jackets. Produced by companies like Laco, these watches were regulated to high chronometer standards to ensure precision during missions, reflecting their importance in military aviation.

Five manufacturers, including Laco, supplied these watches to the Luftwaffe, each incorporating specific features like the Breguet balance spring and a distinct diamond or onion crown. The B-Uhr watches were not issued to each individual pilot but distributed for specific flights and returned afterward, emphasizing their role as essential, standardized tools. The legacy of the B-Uhr watches continues today, celebrated for their precision, quality, and iconic design.