Selza Kriegsmarine (German Navy) WW2 Pattern Watch with 21 Jewel Automatic Mechanical Movement

Selza Kriegsmarine (German Navy) WW2 Pattern Watch with 21 Jewel Automatic Mechanical MovementSKU Code: SELZ KM1 This automatic self winding classic WW2 pattern Selza* military watch, featuring a small subsidiary dial second hand, is based on the typical designs used by the German Kriegsmarine (German Navy) during World War II. One common feature of all watches made for this branch of the German forces is the initials "K. M" on the dial, short for Kriegsmarine. They also had light colored dials in either cream or white, as opposed to the black

SKU Code: SELZ/KM1

This automatic self-winding classic WW2 pattern Selza* military watch, featuring a small subsidiary dial second hand, is based on the typical designs used by the German Kriegsmarine (German Navy) during World War II. One common feature of all watches made for this branch of the German forces is the initials "K.M" on the dial, short for Kriegsmarine. They also had light-colored dials in either cream or white, as opposed to the black dials used for other versions of the German forces.

This watch is closely based on one of Selza's WW2 designs. Although the original watches are now quite rare and tend to fetch high prices, this watch is outwardly almost indistinguishable from the factory's WW2 models and retains the acrylic crystal used on the original watches. Additionally, the original 15-jewel hand-winding mechanical movement has been upgraded to a 21-jewel self-winding automatic movement, which can also be manually wound if required. The watch offers the benefit of retaining the original outward appearance while incorporating a few discreet updates to improve its suitability for day-to-day use.

In WW2, Selza along with Siegerin were two of the leading manufacturers for the Kriegsmarine (German Navy). They also produced watches for the Luftwaffe, Fallschirmjäger (paratroopers), and Flak (anti-aircraft) corps. Most German military watches during the war were fairly similar and shared much the same case design and general appearance, just like British watches at the time. However, while the British have the "Dirty Dozen," collecting the German equivalents can be quite challenging due to the sheer number of suppliers, which comprised over 100 different manufacturers versus just 12 who were used for procurement contracts by the British War Ministry during World War II.

A group of military watch enthusiasts have compiled a list of the manufacturers, which appears on their website at this link: https://military-watches.net/ww2-german-watches. The list seems to be almost complete; no doubt they would appreciate it if anyone could fill in the few remaining gaps.

This particular watch has a solid stainless steel case made from military-grade 316L stainless steel, a subsidiary dial second hand, hacking function, and a light-colored dial with contrasting black hands.

For comparison, the final image shows one of the original wartime watches so that you can see just how successfully the manufacturer has managed to create a watch that is extremely similar to the watches they made in the Second World War.

Specification:

• Case Diameter: 36.5 mm excluding crown, 39 mm including crown
• Lug to Lug: 43 mm
• Thickness: 13.5 mm
• Dial Color: Off White
• Case Material: 316L stainless steel
• Caseback: 316L stainless steel
• Crown: 316L stainless steel
• Water Resistance: 5 ATM (50 m)**
• Movement: 21 Jewel Automatic
• Glass: Plexiglass / Perspex
• Serial Number: On caseback
• Strap: 18mm Leather
• Supplied in a box
• 24 Months Guarantee

Note: The final image shows one of the original wartime watches.

MWC are official distributors for Selza watches.