Description
This mid-to-late-1930s Rellum German Luftwaffe pilot’s watch is simply massive! The chrome case measures a whopping 40.7mm case (13mm high with the original beveled, 3mm glass crystal). The coin-edge turning bezel rotates the crystal and inner triangle (marker) for keeping track of events. This 3mm-high original glass crystal is nearly impossible to find, as most have been destroyed. All the scratches on the crystal add much character to the watch, lending to the likelihood that this watch saw WW2 action! The enamel dial with aged Arabic numerals, sub seconds, and cathedral-style hands is original and without a scratch. The sub-second hand may have been replaced at one time. I love the protruding onion crown that was necessary, so pilots could wind and set the watch whilst wearing their gloves. The crown protrudes 9mm from the case. Please note that in my picture, the bezel was not fully fastened, but it is now. The original manual winding movement was just cleaned and is keeping time. These movements were not known for their accuracy – so, 3-4 minutes per day is considered acceptable. We installed a custom leather pilot’s band, which is a hefty 24mm wide and applied to the fixed lugs.
