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Lot Essay
With Uhrenmuseum Glashütte Certificate dated 17 February 2013 and two copies of the delivery report confirming the sale of the present watch to the Amt für zentrale Verwaltungsaufgaben in Berlin on 3 August 1943.
This watch part of a series of 112 "Grosse Fliegerarmbanduhr Kaliber 48.1" (large pilot's wristwatch calibre 48.1) model, delivered to the German Airforce's administrative headquarters in May 1943.
The model was developed by A. Lange & Söhne around 1940 for the German Airforce, following strict specifications in regard to accuracy. The calibre 48 movement was fitted with an indirect sweep centre mechanism with hacking feature based on Junghans' patent. The balance is stopped and hands can be set while simultaneously depressing the button in the band and turning the large crown. The large size of the crown allowed winding and setting even when wearing gloves. The watches were fitted with a large and long leather strap, allowing the pilots to wear it on the tight over their outfit.
As of around 1937, watches used by the German Airforce were fitted with a panel indicating manufacturer, serial number and "Fl" number. In order to disguise information regarding manufacturer and quantities produced, these indications were coded from 1941 onwards, including the replacement of the relevant manufacturer's name by the mention "Bauart nhk" to the inside case back.
The watches were primarily tested by the Deutsche Versuchsanstalt für Luftfahrt DVL (German Aviation Research Institute) and classified with a so-called "Fl.-Number". The Fl. stands for flight and the first two digits, 22, for flight control; 23 stands for navigation and 25 for radio surveillance, followed by the three digits serial number given by the DVL. The equipment number was 127-560 A or B.
This watch part of a series of 112 "Grosse Fliegerarmbanduhr Kaliber 48.1" (large pilot's wristwatch calibre 48.1) model, delivered to the German Airforce's administrative headquarters in May 1943.
The model was developed by A. Lange & Söhne around 1940 for the German Airforce, following strict specifications in regard to accuracy. The calibre 48 movement was fitted with an indirect sweep centre mechanism with hacking feature based on Junghans' patent. The balance is stopped and hands can be set while simultaneously depressing the button in the band and turning the large crown. The large size of the crown allowed winding and setting even when wearing gloves. The watches were fitted with a large and long leather strap, allowing the pilots to wear it on the tight over their outfit.
As of around 1937, watches used by the German Airforce were fitted with a panel indicating manufacturer, serial number and "Fl" number. In order to disguise information regarding manufacturer and quantities produced, these indications were coded from 1941 onwards, including the replacement of the relevant manufacturer's name by the mention "Bauart nhk" to the inside case back.
The watches were primarily tested by the Deutsche Versuchsanstalt für Luftfahrt DVL (German Aviation Research Institute) and classified with a so-called "Fl.-Number". The Fl. stands for flight and the first two digits, 22, for flight control; 23 stands for navigation and 25 for radio surveillance, followed by the three digits serial number given by the DVL. The equipment number was 127-560 A or B.