'1928 German Airforce pattern' ?

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18th April 2006, 13:35
abraxas

'1928 German Airforce pattern' ?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...21lancored.jpg
A Lanco from my files.*

I have always been fascinated by these watches, notable by the flat-wire lugs, fluted revolving bezel and an onion crown on a long stem.

Never known what to call the design ... here Finer Times describes the Omega:
http://www.finertimes.com/graphics/imag ... rx0356.jpg
On this page: http://tinyurl.com/oltox

As ?1928 German Airforce pattern?. Is this a real designation? I like it real or not.

As it happens ... on this page: http://tinyurl.com/mad2j

There is this beautiful centre-seconds Zenith (1928?) which looks like is pre-dating the infamous B-Uhren for centre-seconds for aviators.
http://www.finertimes.com/graphics/imag ... rx0303.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8...xas/21helv.jpg
Here a divine bezeless Helvetia*. Check the propeller.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v8..._militarys.jpg
And my all time favourite, Oris*. Time for a homage, me thinks!

john

* Not my pictures or watches. Used for discussion purposes only.
18th April 2006, 17:47
A.Pottinger

These look similar to those watches that are known to have 'cylinder movemets' with 'cylinder escapements'.

According to Wesolowski, [2003] (p.92):

"cylinder escapements were not known for their accuracy, and had all but been superceded by the vastly superior lever escapement mechanisims by 1920"

However, the Helvetia, is very similar to that on the next page of ZW's aforementioned book, and an example was "reputedly found to have been worn by crewman of a Heinkel He111 bomber during the Battle of Britain"(p.93 ibid.)

Wesolowski also writes that "They were designed to be worn around the sleve of a flying suit and had broad lugs which allowed the fitting of a strong leather strap."(ibid.)

I am fond of the crown, as it is easily manipulated whilst with gloves on. Useful pointer, too, additionally, not having increments formally marked can be useful was a marker can be employed each time, or an organic material to make ad hoc markings each flight-but that's an idea.

Many be of interest. N.B. They do not all, when in such cases, have an 'infereior' cylinder escapement; that need be verified upon each watch.

Saw one similar on 'epray', but relented; not bidding, inspite of really liking the look/ease of use, but still fond of them.

Best Wishes,

Pottinger+ :)

____________________

'A Concise Guide To Military Time Pieces 1880-1990'; Wesolowski, Z.;(2003);The Crowood Press. [ISBN:186126304X]
18th April 2006, 17:53
Foggy

Here's one on Ebay - a Premier.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Premier-vintage-A ... dZViewItem

Cheers

Foggy
18th April 2006, 18:00
swanbourne

Ah but it's from Brighton Foggy.

Eddie
18th April 2006, 18:07
Foggy

Quote:

Ah but it's from Brighton Foggy

True - I have, however, bought a couple of watches from this guy and can confirm he's sound :wink:

Cheers

Foggy
18th April 2006, 20:19
abraxas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foggy

Here's one on Ebay - a Premier.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Premier-vintage-A ... dZViewItem

Cheers

Foggy

Thanks. Pity it hasn't got the flattened-wire lugs.

john
18th April 2006, 20:23
Foggy

Quote:

Thanks. Pity it hasn't got the flattened-wire lugs.

That's where the hammer comes in to play, John :wink:

Cheers

Foggy
18th April 2006, 20:39
abraxas

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foggy

Quote:

Thanks. Pity it hasn't got the flattened-wire lugs.

That's where the hammer comes in to play, John :wink:

Cheers

Foggy

Which reminds me ... I once had the gold wire lugs repaired on a 1931 Oyster for £1.25. :cry:

john
19th April 2006, 06:38
Crusader

Re: '1928 German Airforce pattern' ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by abraxas

Never known what to call the design ... here Finer Times describes the Omega:
http://www.finertimes.com/graphics/imag ... rx0356.jpg
On this page: http://tinyurl.com/oltox

As ?1928 German Airforce pattern?. Is this a real designation? I like it real or not.

As it happens ... on this page: http://tinyurl.com/mad2j

If you are not making this up, then the designation is "real" enough, isn't it? :)

However, there was no German air force in 1928 due to the restrictions of the Versailles treaty. :P :roll: :wink:

Other than that, center-seconds in aviation watches are first seen in the Weems in the late 1920s, and were in common use in WWI on wristlets for medical personnel.
19th April 2006, 08:52
abraxas

Re: '1928 German Airforce pattern' ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crusader

..................

However, there was no German air force in 1928 due to the restrictions of the Versailles treaty. :P :roll: :wink:

.............

Thanks for that. I had a feeling it was a made-up designation. :roll:

I wonder if it sticks.

* * *

... and a bit of info I've been carrying around.

The world?s first commercial automatic wristwatch (invented by Harwood and backed by Fortis) was tested during the first around-the-world flight by airship, the LZ-127 Graf Zeppelin which completed the journey in 21 days, 8 hours, from August 8 to 29 (1929).

As it happens, I know a lot about this particular journey which must have been one of the most amazing efforts and well worth a movie. The section over Siberia must have been incredible because if the ship went down there was no way to reach the crash site.

john
25th April 2006, 10:10
abraxas

http://www.harwood-watch.com/imgs/ladyhay.jpg
Ok, I made a mistake ... I should have said Harwood and not Perrelet. :oops:
http://www.harwood-watch.com/en/history/content.html

As it happens ... the battle for the first automatic still rages:

A historic invention on trial (March 23, 2006)
http://www.europastar.com/europastar/he ... 1002199979

Quote:

The grapevines were imported into Gaul by the Romans, but was it not France that has made a global reputation for wine? In the same manner, watchmaking has not always been ?Swiss?. It was first French, English and Belgian.

john