WWI German Navy U-Boat Officer’s Military Wristwatch by LANCO – c.1916– Perfect

Offered here is an exceptionally rare LANCO military wristwatch, dating circa 1916, made for German Navy (Kriegsmarine) submarine officers during the First World War.

This early wristwatch exemplifies the rugged practicality and precision required by naval officers aboard U-boats during wartime operations.

The black enamel dial with bold white Arabic numerals,  cathedral hands, and subsidiary seconds register at 6 o’clock gives it the unmistakable military appearance typical of WWI field and naval watches. The large 34mm nickel case features a hinged back cover engraved with a German naval U-boat insignia,  denoting issue to a submarine officer.

Inside beats a high-quality LANCO (Langendorf Watch Company, Switzerland) hand-wound movement—fully serviced and in perfect working order.

The watch runs strong and keeps excellent time, ready for daily wear or display in any fine collection.

Specifications:

• Brand: LANCO (Langendorf Watch Co., Switzerland)
• Model: German U-Boat Officer’s Military Wristwatch
• Year: Circa 1916
• Case Size: 34mm (excluding crown)
• Dial: Original matte black with bold luminous numerals and sub-seconds
• Case Material: Nickel silvered with hinged caseback
• Movement: Manual wind, high-grade LANCO movement
• Condition: Excellent for its age – fully functional, winds and sets smoothly
• Strap: Period-style black leather strap
• Engraving: German Navy U-boat emblem on the reverse

Historical Significance:

During the First World War, German naval officers required robust and highly legible timepieces for submarine missions. Swiss manufacturers like LANCO supplied these precision instruments, often engraved with military insignia and adapted for wrist use to suit combat conditions.

This particular example bears the U-boat cross insignia, indicating issue to a submarine division officer—a highly collectible variant seldom seen today.

Condition Report:

This timepiece is over a century old yet remains in remarkable condition:

• The dial and hands retain their original military character.
• The movement is clean, recently serviced, and runs accurately.
• The case shows honest wear consistent with age but remains structurally sound.
• All components appear original.

Includes:

• Certificate of Appraisal included
• Appraised Value: $3,500 USD
• Fully guaranteed authentic and historically correct

Shipping & Handling:

Worldwide shipping via insured courier. Professionally packed for safe international delivery.