German military: A wristwatch, by Leonidas, the signed black dial with outlined Arabic numerals, outer minutes track, luminous gilt hands and subsidiary seconds dial, the jewelled movement signed and numbered ‘1130’, within soft metal inner case, within nickel plated case with steel screw down back numbered ‘D 392777’, to a later black leather strap, dial diameter 30mm. £100-£150

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Culling Collection of Military Watches.

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The airmen of the German Luftwaffe were not issued with standard military wristwatches, as general soldiers were, as instead they would be issued with special watches to fulfil the specific requirements of their roles. However the standard military wristwatches were available for purchase direct from Army stores, by any airman than wished to do so. These wristwatches are stamped with a ‘D’ prefix to the serial number, for ‘Dienst’, meaning ‘Service’ grade.

See: Wesolowski, Z. M., A concise guide to Military Timepieces, 1880-1980, Crowood Press, 1996, p96.