Antique WWI Imperial German Pilot’s Award Pocket Watch – Longines Grand Prix

Presenting an exceptional, museum-quality World War I Imperial German military aviation award pocket watch crafted by the esteemed Swiss manufacture, Longines. Dating to approximately 1916, this 50mm solid silver timepiece was historically presented to distinguished aviators of the Luftstreitkräfte (Imperial German Air Service). Combining high-grade Swiss horology with deeply significant military provenance, this watch stands as a highly desirable piece for both serious timepiece collectors and WWI aviation historians. It has been meticulously preserved and is currently functioning perfectly.

Detailed Description

The Dial  The timepiece features a pristine, original white enamel dial signed “Longines.” Time is indicated by highly legible, bold black Arabic numerals, beautifully complemented by ornate rose gold-tone Louis XV-style hands and a sunken sub-seconds register at the 6 o’clock position.

What truly sets this dial apart is the custom military artistry: it prominently displays a finely detailed Imperial German Crown on the left and a meticulously rendered early WWI-era biplane (resembling a Taube or early Albatros) on the right. Spanning the lower quadrant above the sub-seconds dial is the patriotic Fraktur-script motto: “Alles für Deutschland” (Everything for Germany).

The Case & Engravings

The substantial 50mm case is struck in solid 0.800 silver.

• Case Back : The exterior case back is deeply and expertly engraved with a magnificent military vignette. It features an early reconnaissance biplane flying over a detailed airfield/landscape, all framed within a traditional victor’s wreath of oak leaves (symbolizing strength and victory) tied with a ribbon, surmounted by the Imperial German Crown.

• Inner Hallmarks : The inside of the case back is fully hallmarked with the famous “EFCo LONGINES” winged hourglass logo, the “0,800” silver purity mark, the Swiss grouse hallmark (standard for 800 silver), and the case serial number 4348575.

• Dust Cover / Cuvette : The inner dust cover proudly displays the brand’s exhibition pedigree, engraved with “LONGINES” and “7 GRANDS PRIX,” flanked by intricately struck replica exhibition medals including the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle.

The Movement At the heart of this historic award piece is a pristine, high-grade Longines mechanical movement. As seen in the provided image, the gilt-finished, crown-wind and crown-set movement is in immaculate visual condition, with brilliant ruby jewels, clean plates, and sharp screw heads. It is clearly stamped “LONGINES” and bears the movement serial number 3886802. The watch has been thoroughly tested and runs strong, keeping excellent time in perfect working order.

Historical Context: The Imperial German Air Service

During the First World War, the Luftstreitkräfte evolved from a minor reconnaissance branch into a legendary combat force. Aviation was highly dangerous, and pilots were regarded as the modern knights of the empire. High-quality silver timepieces like this Longines were not standard-issue gear; they were specialized, private-purchase items or exclusive awards given by commanding officers or aristocratic patrons to pilots for acts of bravery, successful reconnaissance missions, or achieving ace status. The inclusion of the patriotic motto “Alles für Deutschland” underscores the deep nationalist sentiment of the era, making this watch a tangible, functioning artifact of early 20th-century aerial warfare.

Shipping & Handling: The timepiece will be securely packaged in impact-resistant, archival-safe materials and shipped fully insured with signature confirmation required upon delivery. International buyers are welcome; please check your local customs and import regulations.

Please review all high-resolution images closely as they form a major part of the description. Feel free to contact me with any highly technical questions regarding the movement or case hallmarks.

The watch comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $3000