The Watch
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From its nascence in 1955 until the 1990s, the West German Bundeswehr was globally credited as one of the most well-organized and technologically well-equipped armies of its time, despite not participating in active combat operations during the Cold War. To serve its elite aviation personnel, a highly specialized tool watch was commissioned to act as the ultimate pilot’s companion, boasting an incredibly rugged build quality designed to withstand extreme cockpit environments. This particular timepiece is an outstanding survivor from that era, showcasing one of the four rare variants of the famous Bundeswehr "3H" dial layout. The distinctive red "3H" symbol signifies the use of tritium (Hydrogen-3).
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The historical lineage of these military chronographs is deeply fascinating, initially manufactured by the Swiss watchmaker Leonidas before the brand was acquired by Heuer, who subsequently supplied the watches under their own iconic moniker as the 1550 SG. Encased in a commanding, oversized steel case designed for maximum legibility, this specific watch is powered by the prestigious Valjoux 230 movement, featuring an advanced flyback chronograph complication that allowed pilots to instantly reset and restart the timer with a single press.
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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: Original.
Crystal: Original.
Crown: Original Unsigned Crown and Pushers.
Strap/Bracelet: On a new 20mm Khaki Military Type Strap with Steel Buckle.
Lug Width: 20mm
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Issued to a West German Pilot!
- In lovely, all original condition.
- Flyback Chronograph Function.
-Iconic "3H" Dial.
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 good order with some marks.
Crown and Pushers are Original.
The hands are in very good nick.
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Photographed on a 7 inch Wrist.