Antique 1930s German U-Boat Officer Award Pocket Watch – Alpina Union Horlogere

Presenting an extraordinary and highly collectible piece of naval history: an original c. 1930s German U-Boat Officer’s award pocket watch, crafted by the esteemed Union Horlogère Alpina. Accompanied by its matching solid silver chain fob, this substantial timepiece is a remarkable artifact from the post-WWI era, blending exceptional Swiss horological craftsmanship with deep historical provenance.

Weighing a hefty 122 grams together with its chain, this piece is an absolute cornerstone for any serious collector of military timepieces, naval artifacts, or high-grade antique watches.

Historical Context

Dating to the 1930s, this pocket watch was likely commissioned as a presentation or award piece for a German naval officer or submarine veteran. The dial features the nationalistic phrase “Alles für Deutschland” (Everything for Germany) in striking Gothic script, positioned prominently above a highly detailed illustration of a German submarine (U-boat). Furthermore, the subsidiary seconds dial integrates the iconic Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz), a symbol deeply associated with German military valor and heritage. During the interwar and early 1930s period, such commemorative items were highly prized among veterans of the Kaiserliche Marine and the emerging Reichsmarine/Kriegsmarine.

Detailed Specifications

The Dial :

• Material: Pristine white enamel.

• Numerals: Highly legible, stylized black Arabic numerals marking the hours.

• Hands: Ornate, original gold-tone Louis XV-style hour and minute hands.

• Inscriptions & Imagery: Signed “ALPINA PRÉCISION / UNION HORLOGÈRE”. Features the striking central U-boat graphic and the prominent Iron Cross inside the sub-seconds register at the 6 o’clock position.

The Case :

• Material: Solid 0.900 Silver.

• Dimensions: A substantial 52mm in diameter (excluding the crown and bow).

• Design: The case back features a crisp, tactile engine-turned (guilloché) pattern, centered by an unengraved, polished circular cartouche—leaving it a blank canvas for its next caretaker.

• Hallmarks: The inner case back is fully hallmarked, guaranteeing its authenticity and purity. It features the German crescent moon and crown (Reichs-silberstempel), the “0,900” silver purity mark, the Swiss rampant bear hallmark, and the “UH” (Union Horlogère) shield.

• Serial Number: 114278.

The Movement :

• Type: High-grade, mechanical hand-wound Alpina precision movement.

• Details: Stamped clearly with “ALPINA” and the “UH” shield logo. This is a top-tier movement featuring a beautifully frosted gilt finish, exposed winding wheels, and high-quality rubies.

• Precision Elements: Equipped with a bimetallic compensation balance, a blued steel overcoil hairspring, and a highly precise micrometer/swan-neck regulator for exceptional timekeeping adjustments.

The Chain :

• Includes the matching, solid silver chain fob, perfectly complementing the watch’s patina and heft.

Condition Report

(Please refer strictly to the provided high-resolution images as they form a crucial part of the description.)

The watch is preserved in excellent antique condition. The enamel dial is remarkably clean, and the intricate hands are fully intact. The engine-turned engraving on the solid 0.900 silver case remains crisp, with normal micro-scratches commensurate with nearly a century of careful preservation. The high-grade Alpina movement presents beautifully and showcases the robust, meticulous engineering of the era.

Do not miss the opportunity to acquire this museum-quality military timepiece. It is an extraordinary testament to 1930s watchmaking and naval history.

The watch comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $3800