Thanks, glad you like them. They are all from the late ‘30s/ early ‘40s. Helvetias can generally be dated to within a year from the movement number.
The one I’m wearing is early ‘40s, loosely pilot style and generally sold in central and eastern Europe at the time. It’s all original apart from the crown, which should have a square cross section.
The one on the right is a type issued to the German army. There are minute variations which geeks like me enjoy but it’s basically a workhorse issued watch of the time, commonly called DH watches after the unique issued serial number on the back of the case. All original down to the last 3 digits of the movement serial being stamped on one of the lugs.
The one on the left is a ‘1928 pattern’ pilots watch made in the late 30s, although some were made after WW2 into the ‘50s. Used by German pilots and others but definitely not issued, these were private purchases, and also bought by civilians. The bezel has a pointer and rotates so can be used as a simple elapsed minutes timer. The glass is incredibly thick. Sometimes it is called armoured but I gather it’s real use was to prevent misting up in the cockpit.
Thankfully I’m not the only one who likes these watches. A fellow member, enfield, has created a brilliant site if you want to know more. There is a picture of my 1928 pattern on the site. Helvetia have a fantastic history dating back to the beginning of the 20th Century when they were a sister brand to Omega, all the way through to the ‘80s, and produced some innovative watches.
https://www.helvetiahistory.co.uk