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On May 30, 4:05 PM UTC
Lot #2149
Heuer Bundeswehr Chronograph 1550SG
This auction is subject to a 10% buyer’s premium on top of final bid amount (hammer price).
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Introduction
Amongst the litany of iconic chronograph models that Heuer has under their belt, one often escapes public discourse leading to its underappreciation within the watch community, the Bundeswehr, named after the military that would use it. Founded in 1955, the Bundeswehr was the unified NATO defense force for West Germany occupying NATO's border with the Soviet Union. The Bundeswehr existed as NATO's spearhead for any defensive or offensive maneuvers that may have been required should anything happen between the two parties. As a result, the Bundeswehr were one of the best-equipped armed forces around at the time. As part of that equipment, their pilots were issued the Heuer Bundeswehr. Created as a pilot's watch in the 1960s, the Bundeswehr looks and acts as you might expect with some details specific to it. It was also a general issue for pilots in many other nations' air forces, such as the Italian Air Force, under the brand Leonidas, whom Heuer acquired in the 60s.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
V 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$2,500 – $5,000
The Details
Brand
Heuer
Dimensions
43mm
Model
Bundeswehr
Movement
Manual-wind Valjoux
Reference
1550SG
Bracelet
Leather strap
Year
Circa 1970s
Condition
Very good
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Boasting an understated black dial, the Bundeswehr's bi-compax chronograph dial was famed for its simplicity, with large luminous Arabic hour markers ensuring maximum legibility alongside its equally large and luminous hands.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Designed as a watch with purpose and utility, the Bundeswehr's 43mm case ensured it had the utmost legibility when in dark spaces like cockpits or on the battlefield.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in very good overall condition. Bezel insert has some scratches and marks as seen in the images. The case has some wear and scratches, with some light corrosion visible around the screw holes that secure the caseback on. The "Small T" dial has discolored luminous that has aged to a slight greenish tinge with some light spotting visible. The watch comes on a generic strap and buckle.
Our Perspective
A powerful reminder of just how important watches were to those that wore them before the digital age, the Bundeswehr, even in its civilian form is an iconic timepiece that performed in some of the harshest and most dangerous environments of all.