Antique WWI German Navy U-Boat Officer’s Award Systeme Glashütte Pocket Watch

This exceptional museum-grade timepiece represents a critical era in military naval history. During the First World War, the Imperial German Navy (Kaiserliche Marine) relied heavily on its U-boat fleet for strategic dominance. Commemorative and presentation watches of this caliber were commissioned as officer’s awards to mark distinguished service, successful patrols, or acts of valor at sea. The prominent enamel depiction of the submarine, coupled with the patriotic inscription “Alles für Deutschland” (All for Germany), perfectly captures the zeitgeist of 1916. It is an extraordinary artifact suitable for the highest-tier collections of esoteric and historically significant military timepieces.

Dial & Hands

The centerpiece of this watch is its breathtaking, flawless white enamel dial.

• Motifs: Features a finely detailed, transfer-printed central motif of a WWI-era U-boat on patrol.

• Signatures: Above the vessel, the dial is signed “Systeme Glashütte” in an elegant script. Below the central axis, arching gracefully over the sunken subsidiary seconds dial, reads the motto “Alles für Deutschland.”

• Numerals: The hours are indicated by crisp, highly legible black Arabic numerals, ensuring precise timekeeping at a glance and contrasting beautifully with the dial body.

• Indices & Hands: The outer minute track is punctuated by gold dot markers and silver diamond indices. Time is indicated by exquisite, original rose-gold-tone Louis XV filigree hands.

Case Specifications

• Material: .800 Solid Silver. The inner case back is properly hallmarked with the Imperial German Crescent Moon and Crown.

• Case Back: The exterior boasts sharp, unrubbed engine-turned and repoussé floral and foliate engravings, framing an unmonogrammed central heraldic shield cartouche.

• Cuvette (Inner Dust Cover): Heavily engraved with exhibition medals and inscribed “Spiral Breguet” along the top, and “System Glashütte – 15 Rubis” in stylized script across the center.

• Serial Number: Clearly stamped inside the case back (visible in the 700xxx range). 50mm

Movement Details

Powering this historic piece is a pristine, frosted gilt manual-wind mechanical movement. True to the high horological standards of the era, it features 15 jewels and a bimetallic compensation balance wheel. The regulator scale is precisely engraved with “RETARD / AVANCE.” The movement is exceptionally clean, keeping excellent time, and remains an outstanding example of early 20th-century Glashütte-style finishing.

Condition Report

• Grade: Perfect / Museum-Quality.

• The enamel dial is completely free of hairlines, chips, or restorations.

• The .800 silver case retains its original crisp engravings and shows a gorgeous, even patina without excessive polishing.

• The movement is immaculate, free of corrosion, and functions perfectly. A true investment-grade artifact.

Included Documentation

This timepiece is accompanied by a professional appraisal certificate validating its authenticity, historical significance, and physical condition, carrying an appraised replacement value of $3,000.00 USD. The physical certificate will be included in the secure shipment.

Shipping: Ships Worldwide via Secure & Insured Courier. Please examine all high-resolution macro photographs carefully, as they are integral to the item description.