The military watch: Robust companion for extreme conditions

Jan 27, 2025by Philipp Mayrhofer

Military watches are decommissioned models that were actually used by the German army, private purchases by German army soldiers, or replicas that resemble the original military timepieces and can be purchased by anyone. Military watches have always captivated watch collectors - be it the Hanhart Model 417 from 1957 or the Ocean Bund diving watch. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the most well-known military watches, but also look at models with military features for the civilian sector.

The most important things in brief

The following article discusses these aspects of military watches in detail:

  • Robustness and accuracy: Military watches are often used in extreme conditions and must withstand these without any problems without losing their precision. Therefore, robustness and accuracy are two features that every Bundeswehr watch should have.

  • Technology and innovation: On the one hand, watches for the military are based on the achievements of traditional craftsmanship, but on the other hand they benefit greatly from innovative technologies, for example in the form of GPS integration, the installation of solar cells or special modern techniques that improve the water resistance or readability of the timepieces.

  • Well-known manufacturers and models: While Sinn and Tutima won the last Bundeswehr tenders, many Bundeswehr soldiers also wear their privately purchased watches when deployed. Timepieces from G-Shock and Suunto are popular here.

Requirements for military and operational watches

Watches that accompany German soldiers in their work must be one thing above all: robust. They must withstand the most adverse conditions on land, in water and in the air, while still offering absolute precision. For this reason, manufacturers today primarily use quartz movements, which are less sensitive than their mechanical equivalents. Depending on the intended use, these must be able to maintain their accuracy even under the influence of magnetic fields or in the event of serious temperature fluctuations.

The cases and watch glasses must be able to withstand impacts, but at the same time they must not be a hindrance during use. In the past, steel was the classic material for field watches, but now many manufacturers are increasingly opting for light, durable plastic. The focus here is clearly on functionality. The focus is on the essentials and the practical use of the timepieces, which is why a no-frills, solid exterior is one of the core features of the Bundeswehr watches.

As a rule, the cases are matte and shiny surfaces are considered a "no-go". The reason: any reflection could immediately endanger operations at night. However inconspicuous the watches should be in the dark, they still have to be easy to read. Large luminous numerals and indices as well as high-contrast dials are therefore standard features of many Bundeswehr wristwatches. This is especially true for diving watches, because readability is an important issue, especially for timepieces that are primarily worn under the water's surface. But even more important is water resistance, which - as goes without saying - has to be outstanding in models for Bundeswehr divers. The majority of Bundeswehr pilot's watches and field watches are also well protected against water - after all, you never know what to expect in a Bundeswehr deployment.

Types of military watches

There are basically three types of military watches used by the German armed forces: operational watches, pilot watches and diving watches. Operational watches, also known as field watches, are used on land missions. These are mostly simple three-hand timepieces that can be precisely synchronized by soldiers thanks to a stop-second function and often have a 24-hour display. They are typically small in diameter, surprisingly light and can be worn on a leather, nylon or rubber strap.

The pilot's watch for the German army is often larger in diameter than the classic field watch and must have a chronograph function for the precise measurement of time periods. Every chronograph used by the German army must also be able to cope with large pressure differences and should be as easy to use as possible. After all, no German army pilot has time to spend ages struggling to start, stop or reset his chronograph. Flyback chronographs, which combine these processes at the touch of a button, are therefore popular.

Navy and diving troops are equipped with diving timepieces. Just like the pilot's watch for the military, the military diving watch often has a chronograph function and an integrated depth gauge that informs the soldier of the current diving depth at a glance. Watches for the navy and maritime task forces are highly water-resistant and are often manufactured using special techniques and design elements that improve readability under water.

Major manufacturers

Before we go into detail about the manufacturers that have made watches for the German army in the past, we will first provide a brief overview. Among the brands that took advantage of the opportunity to tender and were ultimately able to convince the German army of their products are big names, including IWC, Omega, Hanhart, Breguet and Tutima. On the other hand, there are watches that are not officially on the German army's list of equipment, but are purchased privately by soldiers. The most notable of these are the Casio G-Shock timepieces and the military wristwatches from Suunto, which are known to be preferred by many soldiers and have proven their worth under real conditions.

Technology and Innovation

In terms of technology, the movement is of particular interest in military watches - just like in "normal" watches. Today, most of the watches used by the German armed forces are fitted with quartz movements. This is mainly because they are less sensitive and require less maintenance. They are also considered to be more precise and have smaller deviations in their timing, which can be very important in military operations. In the past, military soldiers were equipped with mechanical watches, initially with manual winding, later increasingly with automatic winding. This may be partly due to the fact that the early quartz movements were still quite susceptible to temperature fluctuations, which made them unattractive for the air force, navy, etc.

In addition to the switch from mechanical calibers to quartz movements, the technological appearance of the Bundeswehr timepieces has also changed. In the past, the army used watches that were either purely designed to display the time or that only had a chronograph function. Modern Bundeswehr watches often have significantly more functions and special features. Diving watches can often show the diving depth, other models have a compass or generate their energy via solar cells on the dial. There are also GPS watches that offer the option of recording routes, tracking locations and receiving assistance with navigation.

Practical aspects of watches

Military watches are an indispensable part of the watch collection for watch lovers who are also interested in the German armed forces. But what is important when buying German armed forces watches? What criteria should be taken into account when choosing a model and how do you find the German armed forces timepiece that best suits your personal needs and ideas? We will look at this in more detail here and look at some key questions that can be used to narrow down the large range of products on the market to individual favorites:

What type of Bundeswehr watch do you want?

As already discussed, not all Bundeswehr watches are the same. A distinction must be made between diving models, the pilot's watches of the Air Force and the models worn by soldiers on land missions, i.e. the so-called field watches. If you know which type of watch you want, you can search much more precisely.

What complications should the model bring with it?

The complications of military watches are of course linked to the type of watch. For example, a pilot's watch is always a chronograph. Nevertheless, it doesn't hurt to think about which complications you want in your new Bundeswehr watch. You should be aware that military timepieces are very practical and therefore do not have functions that do not offer added value in military operations. So if you long for a wristwatch with a moon phase display, for example, you can find one among the military watches, but the selection is much larger among models that are not or were not intended for the Bundeswehr. For collectors whose hearts beat for complex movements with the greatest possible variety of complications, a military watch is probably not the right choice.

What other practical features are indispensable?

Many Bundeswehr watches have a whole range of practical features that go beyond the complications. For example, every military watch is waterproof to a certain degree, but the level of waterproofness varies depending on whether you are dealing with a model from the Navy, the Air Force or the field soldiers. In addition, there are models that are explicitly advertised as resistant to magnetic fields, that are particularly insensitive to temperature differences or that score highly for their outstanding shock resistance. So before you buy, you should also consider which of these features your dream Bundeswehr watch should have.

Are there individual design preferences?

In terms of design, military-style timepieces all have one thing in common: they do without frills. Logically, after all, their primary focus is on practical added value. On the outside, many of the models are plain, sporty and straightforward. They appear extremely robust, have large, easy-to-read digits and a solid case that leaves no doubt about their robustness. However, the key similarities are offset by numerous visual differences. For example, pilot's chronographs tend to be a little more delicate than watches worn as equipment in the field, diving watches come with a plastic, nylon or rubber strap as standard and some models display the time digitally. In terms of color, the Bundeswehr's watches are all muted and vary between matte black, muted green, simple brown and satin silver. Once you know which design appeals to you personally, you can search the manufacturers' warehouses directly for timepieces that meet exactly these preferences.

Does it have to be an official original military watch?

Anyone who wants a watch that is or was officially listed as equipment for the German armed forces must be patient and also need a good dose of luck. Such originals are real rarities. You have a better chance of a quick, successful purchase if you also consider models that are privately purchased by soldiers, or replicas or homages to military watches. This opens up a nice variety of offers full of watches from well-known brands that speak for themselves. It can therefore make sense to think very carefully about whether you really want to commit to an original German armed forces watch that was specially designed for the military. If absolutely nothing else is an option, the route to a military watch leads either via the secondary market or via the federal recycling company for decommissioned equipment, VEBEG for short.

What is the maximum price that can be invested?

Of course, it is no use going out to look for a watch with all your preferences and personal wishes in mind without considering your budget. Then you run the risk of discovering all sorts of great models, only to be disappointed to find that they are well over your personal price limit. It is better to determine in advance exactly what price a Bundeswehr watch is worth to you. Those interested with a limited budget will be pleased to know that military watches are not necessarily luxury items. There are certainly functional, authentic military timepieces that cost well under the 1000 euro mark. Nevertheless, you can of course invest a lot of money in Bundeswehr watches if you want to and buy the military watches as an investment, for example. As is almost always the case in the watch industry, the sky is the limit.

Let's briefly talk about a purchase criterion that should never be neglected when buying a watch and look at quality. Regardless of whether it is a chronograph, field watch or a model for missions on the world's oceans: the quality of the timepiece always has top priority. No compromises should be made here when making a purchase decision. A high-quality Bundeswehr watch is made of durable - if not necessarily above-average expensive - materials and is manufactured with the utmost care.

Once you finally hold the new Bundeswehr watch in your hands, completely different questions arise that relate to the optimal care and maintenance of the high-quality collector's items. If you follow these basic rules, you are doing a lot of things right in this regard:

  1. The timepieces should be stored on a soft surface that cannot cause scratches
  2. Mechanical models must be regularly wound by hand, worn or moved in a watch winder
  3. In quartz watches, the battery must be replaced at regular intervals - often about every 24 months
  4. The housing and glass should be cleaned of any dust and dirt with a soft cloth
  5. Leather bracelets benefit from the occasional use of leather care products
  6. Mechanical watches need to be serviced every few years

Examples of military watches

Time to take a closer look at some of the most popular and well-known Bundeswehr timepieces:

Casio G-Shock

The G-Shock sports watches, which Casio has been producing for over 40 years, are part of the private equipment of some German army soldiers and are equally impressive due to their durability and extremely sporty appearance. Thanks to the case made of a steel-resin mix, the G-Shock is extremely shock-resistant, while the shatterproof mineral glass reliably protects the dial.

The two versions, Rangeman and Mudmaster, are particularly popular. The Mudmaster combines analogue and digital elements to create a modern design that is bursting with robustness with its expansive case, wide hands and oversized numbers. The Rangeman version of the watch is a little cheaper but no less impressive. The model with a digital compass is equipped with solar cells, is water resistant up to 20 bar and has a battery that stores excess energy for "worse times".

Designed for use in the harshest environments, both timepieces immediately conjure up thoughts of the military, of tough soldiers and challenging missions that require virtually indestructible equipment. Anyone who wears the watch in everyday life, where camouflage is not important, and therefore wants a splash of color, will also find what they are looking for in the Casio range. The Mudmaster, for example, is available with a wine-red nylon strap, and the Rangeman is even available in a bright yellow that extends from the case across the strap and makes the watch a daring eye-catcher.

Suunto Core

With the Core product line, the Suunto brand offers outdoor fans a wide range of military-inspired sports watches. Equipped with a depth and altimeter, a timer, a barometer, an alarm clock and a compass, the timepiece is the ideal companion for outdoor adventures or tactical missions.

Another practical feature: The Core's digital display informs the wearer about current local storm warnings, sunrise and sunset times, and the ambient temperature. Thanks to the composite case and aluminum bezel, the Core is pleasantly light despite its impressive diameter of just over 49 millimeters.

Luminox Navy SEAL

Taking into account the suggestions of official US Navy SEALs, the manufacturer Luminox designed a very special watch collection. The Navy SEAL timepieces are tailored to the needs of soldiers and are therefore the epitome of a military watch. This is partly why they are so easy to read, which is ensured by micro-tritium gas tubes on the hands and indices.

The watches, which are available with a date or as a chronograph, are made of steel or the carbon composite material CARBONOX patented by Luminox, depending on the model. CARBONOX is an extremely hard and yet lightweight material. In combination with the rubber strap, which is available in two different designs and numerous different colors, the result is an extremely sporty look that is appreciated by more than just members of the US special forces.

Marathon Military Navigator

Manufactured according to military specifications (MIL-PRF-46374G Type III, Class 1), absolutely precise timekeeping is a given with the Marathon Military Navigator watch. The Marathon Watch Company, which has secured government contracts and produced timepieces for the US Army since 1970, also offers the high-quality models in its shop for civilian customers, making it an interesting point of contact for watch lovers and collectors looking for genuine military watches.

Back to the specific Marathon Military Navigator model: The wearer can expect more than just one exciting feature from this watch. While the ETA FØ6 quartz movement ensures reliability and precision, the tritium gas tubes ensure that the time can be read perfectly even in the dark. Another highlight is the bidirectional rotating bezel that frames the model with a diameter of 41 millimeters and connects to the composite case. Thanks to its water resistance to a depth of 60 meters, the Marathon watch can also survive short dives unscathed - an all-round robust measuring instrument.

Hamilton Khaki Field

Real fans of the German armed forces will certainly already know the Hamilton Khaki Field. The classic-looking field watch appears relatively slim at first glance, making it ideal for everyday wear. However, its true potential is revealed when used outdoors, because that's where it can show what it can do. Whether it's hand-wound or automatic with an 80-hour power reserve, the Khaki Field is impressively reliable and impresses with its water resistance up to 50 meters, its thin thickness of just 9.5 to 11.5 centimeters, and its indices coated with Super-LumiNova.

The design of the handy wristwatch shines with simplicity paired with one or two eye-catchers. For example, the 24-hour label, the harmoniously shaped case and the date display integrated in some versions are eye-catching. Even though the Bundeswehr watch is available on a stainless steel strap with coarse links, the majority of soldiers and civilians opt for the sportier versions with nylon or leather straps, which place an even clearer focus on pure functionality.

Seiko Prospex Land

The Seiko Prospex Land is advertised by the watch manufacturer itself with the slogan "Watches that accompany adventurers every step of the way" and undoubtedly fully lives up to the high expectations that this slogan arouses in the viewer. The stylish Bundeswehr watch with stop-seconds and date also functions as a compass, has a power reserve of 41 to 70 hours depending on the reference and is water-resistant to 20 bar. It therefore cuts an excellent figure on the wrists of soldiers, mountain climbers and adventurous explorers.

The Seiko Prospex Land has a beautiful variety of looks. Sometimes it comes with a rich green dial on a fine leather strap, sometimes in a steel case with a blue dial that is meant to remind you of the highest peaks in the world, and sometimes with a military color combination of cream and muted green. The watch manufacturer thus presents the customer with a small but fine and, above all, multifaceted selection, in which everyone can generally find what they are looking for.

Military watches in the Bundeswehr

Anyone who is only interested in official original timepieces from the Bundeswehr will not be happy with a military watch that soldiers can buy privately and civilians can also buy directly from the manufacturer. The good news: As announced at the beginning of this article, we are now turning our attention to watches that are officially part of the Bundeswehr's equipment or once belonged to it.

Early trends and developments

We start in the 1950s, more precisely in 1957, just two years after the birth of the Bundeswehr in West Germany. At that time, the watch manufacturer Hanhart from Gütenbach in the Black Forest, already mentioned in this article, equipped the Luftwaffe with the model 417, which, purely externally, is very reminiscent of the chronographs used by the Wehrmacht in World War II. Even the caliber 41, which ticks inside the pilot's watch, was used in almost identical form in the Wehrmacht models. In 2020, Hanhart released a new edition of the first Bundeswehr pilot's watch, which is in no way inferior to the original.

During the same period, the German army purchased the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, which was used by various military units at the time and was originally produced for the French military's combat diver. Its popularity stemmed from the fact that there were hardly any watches for divers at the time that could even come close to meeting the military's requirements. The Fifty Fathoms from Blancpain was different: the mechanical automatic watch not only had the required robustness and water resistance, but also had a graduated Bakelite insert to display the dive time.

The successor to the Hanhart timepiece from the 1950s was the Junghans J88 chronograph with a diameter of 38 millimeters and a case made of chrome-plated brass. The most striking feature of this watch is its twelve-sided bezel, which die-hard Bundeswehr and watch fans can immediately recognize. Two totalizers at the 3 and 9 o'clock points, the radium numbering and the scratch-resistant Hesalit glass round off the robust Bundeswehr pilot's chronograph harmoniously. Today, Junghans sells new interpretations based on the original, although these differ significantly from the Bundeswehr version from the 1960s in terms of both size and movement.

As the 1960s drew to a close, a watch manufacturer outside of Germany won a tender from the German Armed Forces for the first time. The new mechanical chronographs for the Air Force were manufactured by the Heuer brand. The (Flyback) Chrono 1550 SG model accompanied German Army, Navy and Air Force soldiers into the skies and on submarine missions and was expanded a few years later to include a flyback function, which made the stopping process significantly easier.

In 1883, another manufacturer came into play: Tutima. The company, which is now based in Glashütte, was still based in West Germany in the 1980s and supplied the German army with chronographs with the references 760 and 798. The two references differ mainly in the material, as the Ref. 798 was made of steel and was then replaced by the 760 Tutima made of titanium.

In the same year, IWC won a tender from the German army and began supplying the Ocean Bund. These are three different model variants, each of which was adapted to the requirements of combat swimmers, weapon divers or mine divers. In addition to these specialized military watches, IWC produced two versions for civilians until the end of the 1990s, the Bund 500, which is water-resistant to 500 meters, and the Bund 2000, which is water-resistant to 2000 meters.

With the exception of one of the IWC references for the German army, all of the timepieces presented have in common that they are powered by a mechanical movement. In addition, they all reflect what we have already discussed in detail: They are highly functional, have a sporty design without unnecessary additions or decorations, are durable and have impressive robustness.

Current military watches and manufacturers

And where does the German army get its timekeeping equipment from today? The leading manufacturer of watches for the German army is currently Sinn. The watch manufacturer from Frankfurt is currently equipping both the GSG9 naval troops and the KSM with the Sinn UX S.

Sinn owes the tender to an innovative idea that enables outstanding readability under water. To do this, Sinn fills the space around the dial and hands with a clear liquid. A process that the brand describes with the term HYDRO technology. This technology results in the elimination of reflections and displays hands and indices in razor-sharp detail. Readability is also enhanced by the high-contrast dial: here, a deep black, matte background meets dazzling pure white hands and markings. In 2017, Sinn presented another KSK product for the German armed forces at Baselworld, the K212 .

The Tutima Chronograph, already mentioned in this article, is also still in use. The successor to the two established references is the Tutima M2, a titanium chronograph with a diameter of 46 millimeters and an hour totalizer. Tutima continues to use mechanical automatic movements for this chronograph, which have become rather rare in Bundeswehr circles. The less sensitive, easier-to-maintain quartz movements, which the Sinn brand also uses for its Bundeswehr watches, are on the rise.

If you compare the features of the Bundeswehr's past and present timepieces, the similarities predominate. This is not surprising, because the requirements that military timepieces must meet have hardly changed. Precision, quality, shock resistance, water resistance and robustness were and are the key elements of a watch for the Bundeswehr. Features that are now found in quite a few timepieces that are not officially listed in the equipment catalog. The majority of soldiers are no longer issued with service watches, which is why the deployed forces wear their own watches and the official Bundeswehr watches are probably in the minority in many places. Watches that are popular among soldiers, such as the G-Shock timepieces, are inevitably associated with the Bundeswehr, even if they are not on any official list.

Examples of watch models for the Bundeswehr

Below we will take a closer look at particularly well-known Bundeswehr timepieces that can be purchased by the average consumer:

Sinn 857 UTC

The Sinn 857 UTC is designed for anyone who wants to experience the feeling of hearing a highly developed military special watch ticking on their wrist. The chronograph with GMT function is protected against magnetic fields up to 100 mT, pressure-resistant up to 20 bar and equipped with a pilot's bezel with minute detent. The model's longevity is enhanced by the patented Ar-dehumidification technology, the effectiveness of which is achieved by combining a drying capsule with a protective gas filling and EDR seals.

The stainless steel case, hardened using TEGIMENT technology, is bead-blasted and resistant to low pressure, and features a discreet dial with oversized, luminous numerals every quarter of an hour. The Sinn 857 UTC is brought to life by the automatic, anti-magnetic SW330-1 lever movement, which enables the chronograph function as well as the second time zone and the date. Aside from the impressive complications, it is certainly the innovative technologies, such as the dry-keeping technology, that make this watch a modern, functional item suitable for the German armed forces.

Tutima Military Chronograph M2

Anyone who has read this article carefully will not have heard of the Tutima Chronograph M2 for the first time. The chronograph, which follows in the footsteps of the Military Chronograph, which is still listed as an official NATO watch, is also aimed at people outside of military circles. In addition to the chronograph function with 60-second, 60-minute and 12-hour counters, the M2 pilot's watches have a date display and a 24-hour display on board. The powerful Tutima 521 movement, which implements these features, is protected from the influence of magnetic fields by an inner case made of soft iron. These are all features that demonstrate robustness and maximum functionality.

The M2 Chronograph is visually interesting above all due to the interplay of soft curves and hard, straight lines that can be found in the case shape and on the dial. As befits a Bundeswehr watch, the timepiece's rich contrast is also striking. The wide, white indices stand out clearly from both the black and dark green dials. Aside from the dial color, the customer is also spoiled for choice when it comes to the strap: Would you like a chronograph on a steel strap or a model with a Kevlar strap? Both options are popular, with the Kevlar version having a decidedly sporty look, while the link bracelet brings out the timepiece's elegant side.

Junghans Bundeswehr Chronograph

Based on the J88 chronograph from the 1960s, the Pilot Chronoscope pilot's chronograph from Junghans, which is available to buy today, has the characteristic twelve-sided bezel of its predecessor and does it proud. A DLC-coated stainless steel case, flawless anti-reflective sapphire crystal and the precise automatic movement caliber J880.4 come together to create a Bundeswehr watch that has a lot to offer. The Pilot Chronoscope chronograph has both a 30-minute counter and a small second hand and the auxiliary dials give it a thoroughly functional look. Water-resistant to 10 bar, the timepiece guarantees the best possible readability thanks to the hands and indices coated with environmentally friendly luminous material.

The product line includes various designs that differ in terms of case and dial color as well as the strap. For example, the elegant timepiece is available with a silver case and black dial, in an attractive brown and black combination and in a simple, anthracite-colored design. The nostalgic design is rounded off by a leather strap that is available either with or without eye-catching rivets.

General characteristics

Today's military watches combine the achievements of traditional craftsmanship with innovative approaches and modern technologies to combine the best of both eras in operational timepieces. As a result, specially hardened case materials, anti-condensation technologies and advanced strategies to avoid reflections, for example, meet tried and tested successful movements and functions that the watch industry has known in one form or another for many decades and centuries.

As an essential part of military equipment, every Bundeswehr watch is an indispensable tool that soldiers rely on during operations. Unlike in many other areas, the Bundeswehr watch is not a status symbol, a piece of jewelry or a chic accessory, but rather an everyday object that must function simply and reliably - even under extreme conditions.

Specific areas of application

The functions with which a military watch is equipped always correspond to the requirements of its field of use. Military pilot watches are measuring instruments with a chronograph function that are as easy to use as possible and thus do not unnecessarily delay the pilot at the controls of the aircraft. Modern Bundeswehr watches that are used above the clouds often have a flyback mechanism. This means that the soldier only has to press the corresponding button once to stop a stop, set the hand to zero and start a new measuring process. By comparison: with chronographs without a flyback function, this requires three button presses. In addition, some pilot chronographs have a second time zone.

The members of the navy and maritime task forces obviously need waterproof diving models from which the time can be clearly read even under water. In many cases, a scale on the dial - the so-called depth indicator - reveals the depth at which the soldier is currently located.

And then of course there are the typical field watches for the army on land. Such watches are usually light and handy so that they do not hinder or disturb the wearer, are extremely shock and scratch resistant and often have an integrated compass and a stop-second function for the purpose of precise synchronization between troop members. Depending on the area of ​​use, they must also be resistant to magnetic fields and be able to withstand extreme temperature differences.

Across all three categories - diving watches, pilot's watches and field watches - there are models with GPS, watches with solar cells for energy generation and a few versions with date displays. In addition, manufacturers always pay attention to non-reflective surfaces when producing military timepieces and generally work with luminous numbers and indices.

design and aesthetics

Many watch fans agree: Military watches have a very special aesthetic in their simplicity and sportiness, even though aesthetics play a rather subordinate role in their development. For example, the cases are not necessarily made of the finest and most expensive materials, but rather the lightest and most robust. Plastics, composite materials and titanium are used, among others. You will look in vain for fine links or decorations on the straps, as these are also purely oriented towards practical use. The majority of watches for the German armed forces are worn on nylon, plastic, leather or textile straps; metal straps with coarse, solid links are much rarer.

Every design is not only robust but also designed for ideal readability. As already explained, the manufacturers therefore work with oversized digits, wide indices and sharp contrasts in the color scheme. In addition, the glass is of course anti-reflective and there are always innovative design ideas that are intended to make reading easier under difficult conditions. The best example of this is the Sinn Bundeswehr watches presented earlier in this article, in which reflections are minimized by integrating a liquid bath in which the hands and indices lie.

Additional features and accessories

The classic function of a military watch is the timer or chronograph function. It allows the wearer to measure periods of time precisely and at the touch of a button. Depending on the product, this is possible well beyond the full minute. Some timepieces can take measurements over up to twelve hours. This function is of course of great importance in everyday military operations, as it is always about being "in the right place at the right time", coordinating with one another within the unit and adhering to strict schedules.

The glass of a German army watch fulfils an important, albeit technically much simpler, function. The glass protects the dial, influences readability and is an absolutely indispensable part of every watch. When producing military watches, many manufacturers specifically opt for sapphire glass, which is very often used in the watch industry. This material has numerous advantages. It is quite robust and does not scratch easily, is considered relatively shatterproof and can be anti-reflective so that it does not cause unwanted reflections. Mineral and hesalite glasses are cheaper, but considerably more susceptible to scratches.

Elements that ensure that no water can get into the case also have important protective functions. This is achieved by seals and double screw connections on the crown and case back. If the watch has chronograph pushers, these must of course also be sealed and screwed tightly so that moisture from outside cannot harm the movement inside the watch.

Military regulations and standards

Finally, we will briefly look at how exactly the German Armed Forces decide which timepieces to include in their official equipment. The procurement process for each piece of equipment begins with a tender. This lists the requirements for the product sought and is based on the so-called specifications, a binding collection of requirements for military supplies of the German Armed Forces.

Manufacturers who have corresponding products in their range or are designing them can respond to the tender and "apply" to be allowed to take over production for the Bundeswehr. If they are awarded the contract, an order follows and the official collaboration begins.

Which regulations apply and which standards are applied differ from country to country and sometimes even from unit to unit. For example, a watch that impresses the German army does not necessarily have to be suitable for the US Army. Nevertheless, there is of course a lot of overlap, which is why, for example, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms was developed for the French armed forces but was later also purchased by the German army.

Conclusion

Military watches are precise timekeeping instruments that focus on the essential and practical in their design, are as robust as possible and prove their reliability even under the most adverse conditions. Collectors who are enthusiastic about the military and would like to own a Bundeswehr watch should get an overview of possible sources and popular models, compare prices and think in advance about which properties and features their dream military watch should have. If the military watch is to function as an investment, we would like to refer you to our article "Watches as an investment" , which has all kinds of useful tips for investors.

Über den Autor

Authors | Philipp Mayrhofer

Authors | Philipp Mayrhofer

Hello, my name is Philipp. My first contact with luxury watches actually came through YouTube and the many watch reviews that you can see there. This has enabled me to acquire extensive knowledge about watches.
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