Aeschbach WW2 Pattern German Wehrmacht & Luftwaffe Dienstuhr (Army/Airforce Service Watch) with Sapphire Box Crystal and a 21 Jewel Automatic Mechanical Movement

Product Details

SKU: ABAC/DUHR2S

This automatic self-winding Aeschbach military watch is a faithful recreation of the classic WWII designs used by the German Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe. While original wartime models are now rare and highly sought after, this modern version remains visually almost identical to the factory's WWII-era timepieces.

This automatic self-winding MWC military watch pays tribute to the iconic British forces designs of the 1940s and 1950s. Featuring a small subsidiary seconds dial, it faithfully captures the style of the originals while integrating modern enhancements for durability and reliability.

• Vintage Look, Modern Performance: The watch retains the vintage aesthetic of the original models, including the appearance of an acrylic crystal, thanks to a modern sapphire box crystal that is virtually indistinguishable but far more scratch and shatter resistant.
• Upgraded Movement: While the original featured a hand-wound mechanical movement, this model uses a 21-jewel self-winding automatic movement that can also be manually wound if preferred.
• Robust Build: Constructed from Military Grade 316L stainless steel with a satin finish for a rugged yet classic look.
• Enhanced Legibility: Black dial with luminous markings and a subsidiary second-hand dial for precise timekeeping.
• Historically Accurate Strap: Comes with a canvas strap styled after those used by the British military during the 1940s and 50s.

Historical Background

During World War II, the Wehrmacht, Kriegsmarine, and Luftwaffe sourced their timepieces from numerous Swiss and German manufacturers, including Aeschbach, which was established in 1923 and still exists today. Due to the sheer number of wartime watch suppliers—more than 100—collecting German military watches can be complex.

A dedicated group of military watch enthusiasts has compiled a comprehensive list of these manufacturers, available online: WW2 German Watches. The list is nearly complete, but additional contributions are welcome to help fill in any remaining gaps.

Specifications

• Case Diameter: 36.5 mm (excluding crown), 39 mm (including crown)
• Lug to Lug: 43 mm
• Thickness: 13.5 mm
• Lug Type: Spring bar lugs
• Dial Colour: Black
• Case Material: 316L stainless steel
• Caseback: 316L stainless steel
• Crown: 316L stainless steel
• Water Resistance: 5 ATM (50 m)
• Movement: 21-jewel automatic with 36-hour power reserve
• Crystal: Shatter and Scratch Resistant Box Sapphire
• Luminous Material: Luminova
• Serial Number: Engraved on the caseback
• Strap: 18mm black leather
• Presentation: Supplied in a box
• Warranty: 24 months

The History of Aeschbach Watches

Aeschbach was a leading WWII watch manufacturer but suffered significant losses during the war. The company was based in Pforzheim, a key German watchmaking center, which was heavily bombed during an RAF air raid on February 23, 1945. This attack destroyed approximately 83% of the city, killed nearly 17,600 people, and obliterated the Aeschbach workshops, halting production indefinitely.

However, the Aeschbach legacy was revived when a family member discovered surviving technical drawings and a collection of original watches while sorting through an elderly relative’s belongings. This find paved the way for the relaunch of Aeschbach watches, ensuring that their historical craftsmanship and military heritage continue to live on today.

MWC are official authorised distributors for Aeschbach watches.

• 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.

    Our delivery charges cover the cost of shipping to you but do not include import charges and administration fees to clear the goods when entering your country if applicable.

    It is the purchaser's responsibility to understand that charges may be levied and to pay all subsequent import taxes and duties on goods shipped to their country. If items are returned to MWC due to rejected payment, subsequent charges incurred (such as import duty and processing costs) will be deducted from any refund issued. For more information, please contact accounts@mwc-distribution.com

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    Customer Notification: It is the customer's responsibility to notify us if goods are not received within 21 days of the estimated delivery date. If no notification is made within this period, the buyer is deemed to have received the goods.

    Safe Place Deliveries

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    Failed Deliveries

    If an item is refused and returned to us, we will refund the order less the outbound and inbound shipping charges once the item is received back at our packing and shipping center. For business locations, please notify the receiving personnel of the expected delivery to avoid refusals. Usually, we will be notified of delivery issues and will email you for instructions. It is important to act quickly to avoid return and associated costs.

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