ALPINA Glashütte Silver Chronometer Pocket Watch German Tank Brigade c1940’s

Presenting an exceptional and historically significant Alpina Union Horlogère silver chronometer pocket watch, dating to the c.1940s. This remarkable timepiece features a striking German Tank Brigade motif, making it a highly desirable acquisition for serious collectors of mid-century military horology.

Carefully curated and meticulously documented, this watch remains in outstanding, perfect condition for its age. The accompanying macro photography captures the precise engravings of the hallmarks and the exceptional depth of field across the dial and movement, ensuring you can bid with absolute confidence in its authenticity and pristine state.

Historical Provenance: Alpina & The Union Horlogère

This piece represents a fascinating era in watchmaking history:

• Gottlieb Hauser founded the Union Horlogère (UH), also known as Vereinigte Uhrmacher Alpina (VUA), in 1883.

• The organization was created as an association of leading manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to unify the purchase and distribution of watch and clock parts.

• Early proprietary calibres were designed and manufactured by the Alpina Ebauche Factory of Duret & Colonnaz in Geneva.

• In 1909, Alpina Union Horlogère expanded its prestige by founding the Präcisions-Uhrenfabrik Alpina in the historic watchmaking hub of Glashütte.

• Political tensions near the end of World War I forced the association to split into two distinct entities in 1917: Union Horlogère SA in Biel, Switzerland, and Alpina Deutsche Uhrmacher-Genossenschaft GmbH (ADUG) in Berlin, Germany.

Dial Motif & Condition The centerpiece of this watch is its flawless white enamel dial, strictly dedicated to the German Tank Brigade (Panzer) rather than aviation forces. It features a highly detailed illustration of a German tank below the 12 o’clock position. The lower half of the dial bears the historic motto “Alles fur Deutschland” positioned above a classic Iron Cross inside the sub-seconds register.

The time is indicated by crisp, highly legible Arabic numerals, complemented by an elegant pair of blued steel hands with luminous inserts. The enamel remains in perfect antique condition without visible hairlines or chips.

Case & Hallmarks 

The substantial 50.6mm case provides a prominent presence and an excellent tactile feel. Crafted from solid 0.800 silver, the case exhibits a beautiful, even patina.

• Case Back: The exterior features a beautifully preserved engine-turned (guilloché) pattern, centered with an unengraved floral wreath cartouche.

• Inner Case: The inside of the case back is fully hallmarked. It proudly bears the crisp Alpina signature, the 0.800 silver purity stamp, the German Imperial silver hallmark (the crescent moon and crown), and a grouse/bird hallmark. The case serial number is 614709.

Movement Powering this historical piece is a breathtaking, original Alpina chronometer-grade manual-wind movement. As seen in the high-resolution macro imagery, the movement exhibits a brilliant frosted gilt finish, ruby jewels in screwed chatons, and a micro-regulator. The bridge is elegantly signed Alpina, showcasing the high-tier craftsmanship the Union Horlogère was renowned for during this period.

Specifications:

• Brand: Alpina (Union Horlogère)

• Era: c. 1940s

• Theme: German Tank Brigade / Military Heritage

• Case Material: Solid 0.800 Silver

• Case Diameter: 50.6mm (excluding crown/bow)

• Dial: White enamel with Arabic numerals and military tank/cross motifs

• Movement: Manual-wind chronometer grade, gilt finish, signed Alpina

• Condition: Perfect antique condition. The watch comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $3000

Please review all high-resolution images closely, as they accurately represent the watch’s exceptional condition, dimensions, and intricate historical hallmarks.