Rare c. 1930s German Military Award Cortebert Pocket Watch – Solid 0.800 Silver

Up for auction is an exceptionally rare and historically significant Swiss-made Cortebert pocket watch, supplied by the retailer M. Dacho of Indersdorf, Germany, circa the 1930s. Custom-commissioned for the German Army during the interwar period of rapid military mechanization, this outstanding timepiece was uniquely awarded to an officer within the early Tank Brigades.

This piece stands as a remarkable artifact of 1930s military history and horological craftsmanship, combining a robust Swiss movement with a highly customized, symbolic German military dial.

During the 1930s, the German military underwent a massive restructuring and modernization effort, heavily focusing on the development of mechanized infantry and early armored divisions. The dial of this watch features a prominent illustration of an early 1930s light tank, alongside the traditional Iron Cross, representing military valor.

The inclusion of the historic Prussian military motto “Gott mit uns” (God with us) below the center hands anchors this piece deeply in German military tradition. Watches of this nature were typically private purchase items or special presentation pieces awarded by commanding officers to recognize exceptional service, leadership, or milestones within the newly formed armored regiments. The Swiss manufacturer, Cortebert, was highly regarded for producing premium, precision movements for railway and military contracts across Europe during this era.

Detailed Specifications

• Manufacturer: Cortebert (Swiss Movement), retailed/supplied by M. Dacho, Indersdorf.

• Era / Circa: 1930s.

• Case Material: Solid 0.800 Silver with a gold-tone winding crown and bow.

• Case Details: The inner case back is clearly stamped with the Cortebert hallmark (star within a circle), the serial number “3256”, and the German national silver hallmarks (the crescent moon and crown indicating 0.800 silver purity). The exterior features an elegant engine-turned guilloché pattern surrounding a blank central crest cartouche, ready for personalization.

• Dial: Crisp white enamel dial featuring black Roman numeral hour markers. Custom military motifs include a black Iron Cross at the 9 o’clock position and an early light tank at the 3 o’clock position. The retailer’s name, “M. Dacho / INDERSDORF,” is prominently displayed beneath the 12 o’clock mark.

• Hands: Ornate, Louis XV-style hands with a beautiful, natural vintage patina.

• Movement: High-quality, manual-wind Swiss Cortebert mechanical movement. The brass plates, exposed gears, and jeweled bearings reflect excellent interwar Swiss craftsmanship.

• Functions: Hours, minutes, and a sub-seconds dial at the 6 o’clock position.

Condition Report

Please refer to all high-resolution photos as they are part of the description.

• Dial: In truly remarkable condition for its age. The enamel remains bright with crisp, unfaded graphics and typography.

• Case: Presents beautifully with minor surface wear and micro-scratches consistent with genuine military field use and age. The case hinges operate smoothly, and the covers snap shut securely.

• Movement: Visually clean and intact. (Note to buyers: As with all vintage and antique timepieces, a professional service by a qualified watchmaker is recommended to ensure long-term daily accuracy).

• Crystal: Clear and well-preserved.

This is a museum-quality piece for collectors of military timepieces, early armored division history, or exceptional interwar European pocket watches. Opportunities to acquire a documented, specialized Tank Brigade presentation watch from this specific era are exceedingly rare.

The watch comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $2500