Antique German Tank Brigade Officer’s Award Chronograph Pocket Watch – 50mm

This is a remarkable find for the serious collector: a 50mm oversized military chronograph issued as a Tank Brigade Officer’s Award. This timepiece was not a standard-issue field watch, but a presentation-grade instrument awarded for merit and distinguished service within a Panzer (Armored) Brigade. It combines elite horological engineering with the specific iconography of the German armored divisions.

Historical Significance & Provenance

• The Award: Historically, such watches were presented to high-ranking officers or unit commanders as symbols of excellence. The presence of the Balkenkreuz (Bar Cross) and the Panzer (Tank) silhouette at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions explicitly marks its association with the armored corps.

• The Design: The multi-scale dial (Base 1000) was an essential calculation tool for an officer, used for timing tactical maneuvers and calculating distance based on the speed of sound and light.

Technical Specifications

• Movement: Elite Column-Wheel Chronograph. This is the “gold standard” of chronograph architecture, offering superior mechanical durability and precision compared to standard cam-lever movements.

• Complications: * 30-Minute Recorder: Tracks elapsed time during tactical exercises.

  • Small Seconds Sub-dial: For precise timekeeping synchronization.

  • Telemeter & Tachymeter Scales: For calculating distance and speed in the field.

• Case Size: 50mm “Oversized” Case, providing maximum legibility for an officer in a high-intensity environment.

• Condition: Excellent. The movement is robust and functions perfectly, and the dial retains its original crispness.

Detailed Condition Report

• Dial: The white lacquer dial is in stunning condition. The red and blue scales are vibrant, and the unit-specific graphics (The Tank and the Cross) remain sharp and unfaded.

• Movement: The manual-wind movement is clean and meticulously maintained. The chronograph starts, stops, and resets to zero with the crisp mechanical “click” characteristic of a high-end column-wheel caliber.

• Case & Crystal: The nickel-chrome case shows light, honest handling wear that authenticates its age without detracting from its aesthetic. The crystal is clear and offers a brilliant view of the complex dial.

Investment Grade Piece

Officer Award watches from armored brigades are among the most sought-after military timepieces in the world. Because they were presented as individual honors rather than mass-issued equipment, their survival rate is much lower, and their historical value is significantly higher. This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of “Award Horology” that served as a badge of honor for a brigade leader. The watch comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $3500

Shipping & Handling

• Dispatched via Insured Express Mail. * Professional Packaging: Wrapped in anti-static, shock-proof material to ensure the movement remains in perfect condition during transit.