RARE c. 1940s German “Système Glashütte” U-Boat Officer’s Award Pocket Watch

Presenting an exceptional and historically significant 1940s military-presentation pocket watch. This “Système Glashütte” timepiece was crafted as a prestigious naval award, likely presented to a distinguished submarine commander or naval officer during the 1940s. Measuring a substantial 51mm and cased in beautifully engraved solid 0.800 silver, this museum-quality artifact remains in perfect working condition. It represents a rare opportunity for serious collectors of early 20th-century horology and maritime military history.

During the 1940s, the submarine fleet was the strategic vanguard of the German navy. High-ranking officers and decorated U-boat commanders were frequently presented with bespoke timepieces to commemorate successful patrols or exceptional leadership. The designation “Système Glashütte” denotes a robust, high-precision Swiss ébauche that was manufactured and finished to mirror the exacting architectural standards of Glashütte, Germany’s premier watchmaking hub. The dial boldly features the era’s nationalistic motto, “Alles für Deutschland” (Everything for Germany), anchoring this piece firmly in its historical and military decade.

Detailed Condition & Specifications

Condition: Excellent preservation. The bright white enamel dial is pristine, featuring crisp, black Arabic numerals and a sunken sub-seconds register at the 6 o’clock position.

• Imagery & Text: The upper hemisphere displays an incredibly detailed transfer print of a 1940s-era German submarine (U-boat) positioned beneath the elegant “Système Glashütte” script. Arching above the sub-seconds dial is the historical military motto “Alles fur Deutschland”.

• Hands: Original, highly ornate Louis XV-style hands in a striking rose-gold tone, offering excellent contrast and readability.

Case & Exterior 

• Material & Size: Solid 0.800 silver. The case measures a substantial 51mm in diameter (excluding the crown and bow), giving it a commanding presence.

• Case Back: The exterior case back is masterfully executed with deep, crisp guilloché work and intricate floral/foliate engravings. The central polished heraldic shield remains unmonogrammed.

• Hallmarks: The interior case back is properly stamped with the German Imperial silver hallmarks (the Crescent Moon and Crown), the “0,800” purity mark, the Swiss capercaillie hallmark (verifying its Swiss-made case for the German market), and the matching serial number 700627.

Inner Cuvette / Dust Cover 

• Details: The polished silver inner dust cover is beautifully engraved with “Système Glashütte” and “15 Rubis”. Above the text, it proudly displays a row of highly detailed exhibition medallions, alongside the specification “Spiral Breguet”, indicating the use of a high-grade Breguet overcoil hairspring.

Movement 

• Mechanics: The watch is powered by a pristine, high-grade 15-jewel manual-wind movement featuring a classic frosted gilt finish. It utilizes a bimetallic compensation balance wheel, blued steel screws, and the aforementioned Breguet hairspring. The regulator scale is marked in French (RETARD / AVANCE).

• Functionality: The watch has been thoroughly tested and is in perfect working order, ticking strongly and keeping excellent vintage time.

Terms of Sale

• Shipping: The timepiece will be securely packaged in a climate-controlled, shock-resistant parcel suitable for high-value horological artifacts. Fully insured global shipping with signature confirmation is required.

• Authenticity: Guaranteed 100% authentic to the era described.

• Questions: Please examine all provided high-resolution photographs carefully, as they serve as an integral part of this description. Do not hesitate to reach out with any technical or historical inquiries prior to purchasing.