The Watch
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The Heuer 1550 SG flyback chronograph, equipped with a Valjoux 230 movement and commonly known as the "Bund," was supplied to the West German Air Force starting in 1967, with the Norwegian and Yugoslavian Air Forces adopting it shortly thereafter. All examples linked to the Yugoslav Air Force (JRV) with credible provenance share highly specific aesthetic details: the standard Heuer logo fits neatly between the 58 and 2 minute markers, tritium numerals are left uncut (see the 2), a small "T" print sits just above the 6 o'clock mark, and they strictly lack the bright red "3H" symbol found on German variants. Crucially, the JRV did not follow the German or Norwegian practice of engraving these watches, leaving them with entirely sterile, unmarked case-backs.Ā
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Obviously, with the presence of a very small batch of Civilian 1550 SG's in existence, it can be very hard to differentiate and know exactly what you are purchasing. We found this particular example in Slovenia (receipt will be included). Slovenia was a big part of Yugoslavia and were the first to leave in 1991. When it comes to the number of these delivered to the JRV, itās difficult to tell. Iāve seen guesstimates from collectors ranging in the neighbourhood of 600-800.Ā
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So, we have checked with collectors out there that have experience with these and they have said that the Watch looks all good to them as a Yugoslavian Air Force Pilots Watch, it's very unlikely, in my opinion, that you would find a Civilian version of this in Yugoslavia. We are happy to offer this as a Yugoslav and we are 99% happy it is. However without the markings or concrete provenance, it is impossible to say with absolute certainty.Ā Ā
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The Specs
Age: c.1970s.
Movement: Manual Wind with 30 min Flyback Chronograph.
Calibre: Valjoux 230.
Timekeeping: Very Good.
Service History: Fully Serviced in 2026.
Dial: Original Heuer Tritium Dial.
Service History: Fully Serviced in 2026.
Dial: Original Heuer Tritium Dial.
Case: Stainless Steel.
Measurements: 42mm.
Bezel: Bi-Directional.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original.
Crystal:Ā Original.
Crystal:Ā Original.
Crown: Original Unsigned Crown and Pushers.
Strap/Bracelet: On a new 20mm Admiralty Grey Military Type Strap with Steel Buckle.
Lug Width: 20mm
GettingĀ Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- We are 99% sure this was the property of a Yugoslavian Pilot!
- In lovely, all original condition.
- Flyback Chronograph Function.
Nitty Gritty:
- Minor Scratches to the Bezel, Case and Caseback but nothing major at all.
-Original Crystal has marks throughout.
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Overall this Bund is in lovely Vintage condition.
Overall this Bund is in lovely Vintage condition.
The Dial is in very good condition.
The Case and the caseback have some minor scratches.
Crystal is Original and in fair order with marks.
Crown and Pushers are Original.
The hands are in good nick.
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Ā Photographed on a 7 inch Wrist.