DEUTSCHE UHRENFABRIKATION GLASHÜTTE, A. LANGE & SÖHNE, NO. 82557, CIRCA 1939

Accompanied by Uhrenmuseum Glashütte Certificate and copies of the Lange & Söhne delivery report number 7329 dated 5 September 1939 confirming delivery of the present watch to the Minister of Aviation and Commander of the Air Force in Berlin on 5 September 1939 for the amount of 323 Marks. It was part of a series of 4 "Gradmass" wristwatches, all delivered on 5 September 1939. As stated on the delivery report, the watches were fitted with the improved version of the calibre 45 movement and, following the regulations of the Commander of the Air Force, with black dials, luminous numerals, luminous hands, lugs and leather straps.

It is thought that the present watch is part of a small series of less than 10 watches of this type made by Lange & Söhne. Only movements of highest quality and precision were used.

The present watch is fitted with a "Gradmass" dial graduated for 60 and 360 degrees. The second hand makes a complete revolution in 4 minutes while the minute hand progresses of 1 degree (equal to 240 seconds). The minute hand takes four hours to revolve while the hour hand moves forward of 60 degrees, performing a complete revolution in 24 hours for 360 degrees, equal to the rotation of the earth.

Such models are is described and illustrated in A. Lange & Söhne - eine Uhrmacher-Dynastie aus Dresden by Reinhard Meis, pp. 296-297.