Antique WWI German U-Boat Submarine Officer Award Pocket Watch 49mm Perfect

During the First World War, the Imperial German Navy (Kaiserliche Marine) expanded its pioneering U-boat fleet to disrupt maritime supply lines. Precision timepieces were vital navigational tools for submarine crews operating beneath the surface. Customized pocket watches featuring patriotic slogans and maritime motifs were occasionally commissioned as presentation or award pieces, given to U-boat commanders and officers to commemorate exemplary service, specific missions, or successful naval campaigns.

Item Specifications

• Era: WWI Era

• Type: Military U-Boat Officer Award Pocket Watch

• Dimensions: 49mm

• Condition: Perfect working condition

Detailed Description

The Case

• The timepiece is housed in a 49mm open-face case.

• The exterior back cover is deeply engraved with a striking geometric checkerboard pattern.

• This highly stylized design alternates between sections of textured wavy lines and sweeping, nautical sail-like motifs.

• The watch features a prominent fluted winding crown and a sturdy circular bow located at the 12 o’clock position.

The Dial

• The crisp white dial is marked with large, bold black Arabic numerals for high visibility.

• The upper half of the dial proudly displays the German patriotic motto “Alles für Deutschland” rendered in a traditional gothic typeface.

• The lower half features a highly detailed, precision profile illustration of a surfaced U-boat.

• Time is indicated by aged, spade-style hands.

• The dial design is remarkably clean, specifically omitting a subsidiary seconds dial to maximize the legibility of the central military motifs.

The Movement

• The watch is powered by a mechanical manual-wind movement.

• The primary movement plates feature a classic, frosted gilt finish.

• The mechanism displays exposed steel winding gears and a contrasting silver-tone balance bridge.