In this thread I want to show some 3rd class rated observer watches used by the German Kriegsmarine in WW2. The first one is marked with "K.M." for "KriegsMarine" and underneath the watch brand name "Alpina". The movement calibre is "355" and the serial number is "593195". The military issued number is "312321". In 1930 "Alpina, Deutsche Uhrmacher Genossenschaft" had 928 members.



The second two pieces are marked again with "KM" and underneath the watch brand name "Cortébert". The movement calibre is "526" and the very nice vice versa reading serial number on the back of the case is "543345". The model number of the case is "5401".



The second piece is a rarer find. Same movement (cal. 526), same case (marked with "5401"), same dial. But on the caseback this time with the typical original Kriegsmarine eagle/"M" for "Marine" (navy) and the inventory number "537439".



To complete the list I want to show two another very rare high quality Swiss made observer watches for the German Navy used in WW2. Again "KM" on the enamel dial and above the watch brand name "Solvil" followed by the location of the company "Genf" (Geneva). Paul Ditisheim founded the company in La Chaux-de-Fonds (Switzerland) in 1892 and became famous for his navy chronoteters. Later the company was renamed into "Solvil & Titus SA" and sold to Stelux in 1990. The movement serial of this Kriegsmarine timepiece is "812570". The case is made of stainless steel and has a thick dust cover. The back cover is correctly stamped with the military issued number "515076".



As an addition to the standard KM Solvil Genf 3rd class observer watch here is the very rare version with the Kriegsmarine eagle/M on the back above the military inventory number "515697".



Regards, Florian

Thank you for sharing these images of your impressive collection!

A very excellent collection of hard to find watches. Your photography and explanations are very much appreciated.