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Lot Essay
The present watch is part of a series of large aviator's navigation watches developed and exclusively reserved for the German Airforce, following strict specifications in regard to accuracy. The movements were fitted with an indirect sweep centre mechanism with hacking feature: the balance is stopped and hands can be set while pulling the large crown. The large size of the crown allows winding and setting even when wearing gloves.
These navigation wristwatches made by Lacher & Co. (Laco), IWC, Lange & Söhne, Wempe and Walter Storz (Stowa) were and are still horological specialties. They were regulated as navigation chronometers and tested, piece-by-piece, by the chronometer department in Gesundbrunnen near Glashütte. The aircraft navigators wore these watches with long leather straps above the sleeve.
As of around 1937, the watches were fitted with a panel indicating manufacturer, serial number and a "Fl" number. In order to disguise information regarding manufacturer and quantities produced, these indications were coded from 1941 onwards. Once the tests at the Deutsche Versuchsanstalt für Luftfahrt DVL (German Aviation Research Institute) successfully passed, the watches were classified with the relevant "Fl.-Number". "Fl" stands for flight and the first two digits, 22, for flight control, 23 for navigation and 25 for radio surveillance, followed by the three digits serial number given by the DVL. The equipment number was 127-560B (or A).
The models are explained and illustrated in Military Timepieces by Konrad Knirim, pp. 344 - 351.
These navigation wristwatches made by Lacher & Co. (Laco), IWC, Lange & Söhne, Wempe and Walter Storz (Stowa) were and are still horological specialties. They were regulated as navigation chronometers and tested, piece-by-piece, by the chronometer department in Gesundbrunnen near Glashütte. The aircraft navigators wore these watches with long leather straps above the sleeve.
As of around 1937, the watches were fitted with a panel indicating manufacturer, serial number and a "Fl" number. In order to disguise information regarding manufacturer and quantities produced, these indications were coded from 1941 onwards. Once the tests at the Deutsche Versuchsanstalt für Luftfahrt DVL (German Aviation Research Institute) successfully passed, the watches were classified with the relevant "Fl.-Number". "Fl" stands for flight and the first two digits, 22, for flight control, 23 for navigation and 25 for radio surveillance, followed by the three digits serial number given by the DVL. The equipment number was 127-560B (or A).
The models are explained and illustrated in Military Timepieces by Konrad Knirim, pp. 344 - 351.