Aeschbach WW2 Pattern Germany Luftwaffe / Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) Pilot

From Cooper Watches

SKU Code: AESC/DUH1CH This classic, hand-wound WWII-pattern Aeschbach* military watch is equipped with a Swiss 24-jewel Sellita SW216 movement and features a subsidiary seconds dial. Modeled after the designs used by the German Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe during World War II, this watch closely resembles Aeschbach’s original WWII models. Although the originals are now rare and expensive, this model retains the period look with modern durability improvements. Key updates include 100m water resistance and a scratch- and shatter-resistant box sapphire crystal that mirrors the look of the original plexiglass. The movement has also been upgraded to a 24-jewel hand-wound design, enhancing its reliability for daily use. Original WWII watches for the Wehrmacht, Kriegsmarine, and Luftwaffe were produced by numerous Swiss and German manufacturers, including Aeschbach, founded in 1923. Collecting German military watches from WWII is challenging due to the large number of suppliers—over 100 manufacturers. A list of these manufacturers is available on Military Watches. This watch features a solid, military-grade 316L stainless steel case, subsidiary seconds dial, hacking function, screw-down crown, black dial, and luminous markings. Specifications • Case Diameter: 36.5 mm (excluding crown), 39 mm (including crown) • Lug to Lug: 43 mm • Thickness: 12.5 mm • Lug Type: Spring strap bars • Dial Color: Black • Case Material: 316L stainless steel • Caseback: 316L stainless steel • Crown: Screw-down stainless steel locking crown • Water Resistance: 100m / 330ft / 10 ATM • Movement: Swiss Hand-Wound Mechanical 24-Jewel Sellita SW216 • Crystal: Shatter- and scratch-resistant box sapphire with anti-reflective coating* • Luminous Material: Luminova • Serial Number: Engraved on caseback • Strap: Black Leather • Packaging: Supplied in a box • Warranty: 24 months * MWC is an official distributor of Aeschbach watches. Benefits of Sapphire Crystal Synthetic sapphire is a superior choice for watch crystals due to its strength, scratch resistance, and shatter resistance, making it ideal for military, security personnel, police, and outdoor enthusiasts. Unlike the original plexiglass, which scratched easily and limited water resistance, sapphire provides exceptional durability. In cases of crystal damage, over 90% involve mineral glass or plexiglass. Sapphire crystals are heat-treated to eliminate internal stresses and finished with two anti-reflective coating layers for enhanced durability. SWISS SELLITA SW216 MOVEMENT WINDING GUIDELINES To fully wind the SW216 from an empty state, 20-25 turns of the crown are required (fewer than the 30-40 turns for most hand-wound watches). This watch provides a 42-hour power reserve when fully wound. Important: Securing the screw-down crown adds an extra 3-4 winds, so avoid overwinding. Regular daily winding routines may vary; some users find 15-17 turns sufficient for a 24-hour interval. Overwinding, which can cause damage to the mainspring, is a concern for manually wound watches. Adhering to the recommended winding procedure ensures the longevity and proper function of the timepiece.