Aeschbach WW2 Pattern German Airforce (Luftwaffe) 17 Jewel Hand Wound Military Pocket Watch

Product Details

SKU: ABACH/RLMPW

Military pocket watches—and their civilian counterparts—are experiencing a significant surge in popularity. Historically, these timepieces were utilized across land, air, and naval applications. During World War II, both German (Wehrmacht, Kriegsmarine, Luftwaffe) and Allied forces (British and American) frequently employed pocket watches. At the time, wristwatches were generally quite small and difficult to read, averaging around 32mm in diameter. In contrast, the larger pocket watches, often measuring close to 50mm, provided superior legibility.

This classic World War II–pattern Aeschbach* military watch, featuring a subsidiary seconds dial, is based on typical designs once issued by the German Luftwaffe under the auspices of the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM / German Air Ministry). During the war, pilots did not keep these watches; rather, they were loaned out on a mission-by-mission basis and returned to the quartermaster upon the pilot’s return. The piece offered here closely mirrors one of Aeschbach’s wartime designs. While original examples are now rare and command high prices, this watch is almost indistinguishable from those produced by the factory during the war. It is equipped with a traditional 17-jewel hand-wound movement and updated with a domed glass crystal, which is far more durable than the easily scratched acrylic crystals used in the 1940s.

The original wartime watches for the Wehrmacht, Kriegsmarine, and Luftwaffe were produced by numerous Swiss and German manufacturers, including Aeschbach. Founded in 1923 and still in existence today, Aeschbach watches has a storied history. Military watch enthusiasts have compiled a near-complete list of these wartime manufacturers on their website, “WW2 German Watches,” and they welcome contributions to fill any remaining gaps.

Specifications

• Diameter: 47.5mm
• Length with Crown: 58mm
• Thickness: 14mm
• Crystal Width: 40mm
• Crystal Type: Domed Glass
• Case Material: Stainless Steel (316L Military-Grade)
• Caseback: Stainless Steel
• Luminosity: Luminova
• Movement: 17-Jewel, Hand-Wound Mechanical Movement
• Additional: Supplied with Chain
• Packaging & Warranty: Delivered in original box with 2-year factory guarantee

Aeschbach Watches: A Brief History

Aeschbach was a leading manufacturer of World War II timepieces. Tragically, the company suffered greatly due to its location in Pforzheim, a southwestern German town that was heavily bombed during the war. On February 23, 1945, the Royal Air Force (RAF) conducted its most devastating raid, resulting in approximately 17,600 fatalities—around 31.4% of the town’s population—and the destruction of about 83% of its buildings. The Aeschbach workshops were completely obliterated, halting production.

The company experienced a revival years later, after a family member discovered a cache of original technical drawings and some surviving watches among an elderly relative’s possessions. This discovery provided the foundation to restart production, marking the rebirth of Aeschbach watches.

MWC is a factory-authorized distributor for Aeschbach watches.

Winding Instructions and Guidelines

To fully wind the watch from a stopped state, approximately 30 turns of the crown are needed—fewer than the 40 or more turns typically required by other hand-wound watches. Once fully wound, the watch provides an average power reserve of about 36 hours. It’s essential to proceed carefully when winding.

For daily use, many owners find that fewer turns (around 25) suffice, as the watch is never allowed to run down completely. Over time, most users develop a sense of the ideal winding routine.

Most importantly, be careful not to overwind the watch. Overwinding occurs when the movement is wound beyond its designed limit, risking damage to the mainspring and other components. Manual-wind watches, unlike their automatic counterparts, can be overwound if handled improperly. Following these guidelines ensures long-term reliability and optimal performance.

• Delivery

  • Shipping Information

    Europe, UK, and Rest of World

    Tracked Mail:

    • Europe: €11.75 / £9.99 / US$12.95
    • UK: £7.95 / €9.50 / US$10.50
    • Rest of World: US$22.75 / €20.50 / £17.50

    Express Courier (UPS or FedEx):

    • Europe: €23.50 / £19.99 / US$25.95
    • UK (UPS/DPD):  £12.95 / €15.25 / US$16.95
    • Rest of World: US$45.50 / €41.25 / £34.95

    Note: The exact shipping cost may vary slightly depending on the weight and dimensions, but it will only differ by a small amount and will be shown at checkout. The above rates cover approximately 85% of parcels.

    Order and Shipment Confirmation

    You will generally receive two emails after placing an order:

    1. Confirmation of receipt of the order and payment.
    2. Notification of shipment once the goods are dispatched.

    Processing Time: Orders are shipped by the Post Office or Courier within 48 hours of payment processing. Note that our shipping centers are closed on Saturdays and Sundays; therefore, orders placed during this time may take up to 72 hours to be dispatched. This includes orders placed after 14:00 (CET) on Fridays.

    Estimated Delivery Times (in working days):

    • Europe:
      • UPS: 2 to 5 days
      • Registered Mail: 7 to 14 days
    • UK:
      • DPD or UPS: 24 hours
      • Tracked Mail: 1 to 2 days
    • Rest of World:
      • UPS: 3 to 10 days
      • Registered Mail: 7 to 21 days*

    *Some countries are notoriously slow to process goods on arrival, including Israel, Hong Kong, Macau, Mexico, South Africa, and some South American countries. Significant delays can also occur in other countries in Africa. For time-sensitive deliveries, we recommend using UPS, DHL, or FedEx.

    All shipping estimates exclude Saturdays and Sundays.

    While we strive to deliver within the above timeframes, they are guides, and delivery cannot be guaranteed. We are not responsible for delays caused by couriers or any national postal service. If your goods are not delivered within the estimated time, please contact us at admin@mwc.watch, and we will do our best to resolve the issue promptly. We are not liable for any loss caused by late delivery.

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    Failed Deliveries

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