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

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.

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.

The Benefits of Sapphire Crystal

Many people ask about the advantages of sapphire crystal compared to standard mineral glass. Synthetic sapphire is widely regarded as the premium material for watch crystals due to its exceptional hardness, scratch resistance, and overall durability.

These qualities make sapphire crystal particularly well suited to military personnel, security professionals, police officers, emergency service workers, and anyone with an active outdoor lifestyle. In fact, these users represent a significant proportion of our customer base.

When watches suffer accidental damage, cracked crystals are far more commonly associated with mineral glass than sapphire. Even hardened mineral crystals cannot match the scratch resistance and long-term durability of sapphire under demanding conditions. Sapphire ranks 9 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamond, making it highly resistant to everyday wear and abrasion.

The sapphire used in watchmaking is manufactured under controlled conditions and then heat-treated to minimise internal stresses and maximise strength. The finished crystal is subsequently precision-machined and typically fitted with anti-reflective coatings to improve clarity and reduce glare.

While sapphire crystals are more expensive to produce than mineral glass, they are generally found on higher-end watches because of their superior performance and longevity. For many owners, the ability of a sapphire crystal to remain virtually scratch-free for years is one of the most valued features of a quality timepiece.

It is worth noting that some premium smartphones and electronic devices also use sapphire components to protect cameras and sensors, taking advantage of the same exceptional hardness and scratch resistance that make sapphire the preferred choice for high-quality watch crystals.

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

Shipping costs may vary slightly depending on parcel weight and dimensions. Final rates are shown at checkout. The prices above apply to approximately 85% of orders.

If you’re not satisfied with your purchase, you may return it within 14 days of receipt. Items must be unused, in original packaging, and in new, resalable condition. Returns cannot be accepted for worn items, removed protective films, or any signs of use beyond normal inspection.

To request a return authorization number, please use the form at the link below.