Aeschbach WW2 Pattern Germany Luftwaffe / Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) Pilots Watch with a 24 Jewel Swiss Sellita SW216 Movement and a Domed Vintage Box Sapphire Crystal

SKU Code: AESC/DUH1CH

Overview

This classic hand-winding WW2 pattern Aeschbach military watch features a Swiss 24-jewel Sellita SW216 movement and a subsidiary dial second hand. The design is based on the watches issued to the German Wehrmacht and Luftwaffe during World War II, closely mirroring one of Aeschbach's original wartime models.

While the originals are now rare and command high prices, this modern re-creation is outwardly almost indistinguishable — but has been discreetly improved for durability and daily wear, with:

• 100m water resistance
• Shatter & scratch-resistant box sapphire crystal (visually identical to the original plexiglass)
• Upgraded 24-jewel hand-winding movement (from the original 15-jewel design)

Historical Background

During WW2, the Wehrmacht, Kriegsmarine, and Luftwaffe were supplied by numerous Swiss and German watchmakers, including Aeschbach (founded 1923). In fact, more than 100 manufacturers contributed to the war effort.

A list of these manufacturers has been compiled by military watch enthusiasts and can be found here: [WW2 German Watches](WW2 German Watches). The list is nearly complete, and contributions to fill remaining gaps are welcome.

Aeschbach itself suffered great losses during the war. Based in Pforzheim, the company’s workshops were completely destroyed in the devastating RAF raid of February 23, 1945, which destroyed 83% of the city and killed over 17,000 people. For decades production ceased, but years later, a family member rediscovered surviving technical drawings and original pieces, leading to the revival of Aeschbach watches.

Specifications

• Case Diameter: 36.5mm (excluding crown), 39mm (including crown)
• Lug to Lug: 43mm
• Thickness: 12.5mm
• Lug Type: Spring strap bars
• Dial Colour: Black
• Case Material: 316L stainless steel
• Caseback: 316L stainless steel
• Crown: Screw-down locking crown (stainless steel)
• Water Resistance: 100m / 330ft / 10 ATM
• Movement: Swiss hand-wound Sellita SW216, 24 jewels
• Crystal: Box sapphire (shatter & scratch resistant) with anti-reflective coating
• Luminous Material: Luminova
• Serial number: Engraved on caseback
• Strap: 18mm black leather
• Guarantee: 24 months
• Presentation: Supplied in a box

Why Sapphire Crystal?

Synthetic sapphire is the strongest and most durable material for watch crystals:

• Shatter-resistant
• Scratch-resistant
• Heat-treated to remove stress points
• Anti-reflective coated

This makes it ideal for military, police, and outdoor use. By contrast, plexiglass (used until the 1980s) and mineral glass are prone to scratches and cracks. Over 90% of crystal failures we see involve mineral or plexiglass — rarely sapphire.

Sellita SW216 Movement – Winding Guidelines

• Full wind (from empty): 20–25 turns of the crown (fewer than most hand-wounds, which need 30–40)
• Power reserve: ~42 hours
• Daily use: 15–17 turns every 24 hours is generally sufficient
• Screw-down crown: Adds 3–4 extra turns when secured — factor this in when winding

⚠️ Important: Do not overwind. Overwinding can cause locking or mainspring damage. Unlike automatics, hand-wound watches have a defined stopping point.

• MWC are official distributors for Aeschbach watches.

Europe, UK, and Rest of World

Tracked Mail:

• Europe: €11.75 / £9.99 / US$12.95
• UK: £7.95 / €9.50 / US$10.50
• Rest of World: US$22.75 / €20.50 / £17.50

Express Courier (UPS or FedEx):

• Europe: €23.50 / £19.99 / US$25.95
• UK (UPS/DPD):  £12.95 / €15.25 / US$16.95
• Rest of World: US$45.50 / €41.25 / £34.95

Note: The exact shipping cost may vary slightly depending on the weight and dimensions, but it will only differ by a small amount and will be shown at checkout. The above rates cover approximately 85% of parcels.

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If you are not satisfied with your purchase or it does not meet your requirements, you can return it within 14 days of receipt. The item must be in its original condition and packaging. To return a watch, please notify us using the form at the link below.

Please note that the watch, strap, or other purchased item must be in new and resalable condition. The returns policy will not apply if the item has been worn, the plastic protectors on the dial and/or caseback have been removed, or if there are other signs of usage, such as a worn strap. Essentially, the goods should not have been used beyond what would be expected if you had handled or examined an item in a shop before purchase.

To request a return authorization number, please visit this link.

Read our full returns policy here