Lange B-Uhr German Luftwaffe Observers Watch of World War 2, 1

Highlights The condition of this Lange B-Uhr is outstanding. The case retains most of its original lacquer finish. There is no damage to the side of the case where the watch is opened. The dial is mint and the luminous paint in the hands is untouched. The leather bracelet is original and still in soft, not dried up condition. There is some small damage to the soft felt on the back of the strap. Lange farmed out the final assembly and regulation of their B-Uhrs to various companies, Felsing/Berlin, Fischer und Trabant/Pforzheim. This is an extremely rare example finished by L and G in Vienna (Metall-Lago, Wien).With the outbreak of World War 2 the Reichsluftfahrtministerium ( Reichs Air Ministry) recognized the need for an efficient observer watch (Beobachtungsuhr) to be used by the aircraft navigator, assisting crews of long range bombing missions. Observer Watches were also worn by the Pilots who needed wrist watches that could be accurately and instantly read when both hands were used to pilot the aircraft. This design was given given the Reichsluftfahrtministerium classification number FL 23883. This number appeared on all Luftwaffe Watches of this design. Printed on the inside of the case is the type, device and movement number, stock number and the finishers name.