Jewellery, Objects of Vertu, Silver and Watches

Lange & Söhne. An oversized German military issue stainless steel centre seconds pilot’s watch, Ref. 127-560A-1, circa 1940.
Movement: manual winding, jewelled lever escapement, no. 212508.
Dial: black, Arabic numerals, inner hour track, centre seconds.
Case: stainless steel, snap-on back, lugs with fixed bars, no. F123883.
Signed: case and movement.
Dimensions: diameter 55mm.
£2,600-£3,600

These oversized watches were commissioned by the German Air Force for their pilots in the 1940s.
They were produced to the Luftwaffe’s specifications with 55mm diameter cases to accommodate the large movements, centre seconds and an oversized crown. They would have been fitted with extra-long leather straps so they could be worn over a flight jacket.
The side of the case is engraved F123883, FL represented flieger and 23 identified the watch as a navigation watch.