Dekla Flieger 40 Type A

Traditional German "Flieger" designs can be traced back to World War II.  The Luftwaffe implemented strict guidelines for clocks and wristwatches designated for cockpit use, the most important being legibility.  Black dials were imperative to combat glare from the sun and clouds.  Radium paint added luminescence to the numerals, hands, and markers and allowed for legibility at night as well. 

With modern SuperLuminova now available, Dekla opted for white BGW9 lume on this watch for optimum legibility during day and night.  

Arguably the most significant feature was the presence of a long, central mounted seconds hand - a departure from the typical pocket watches of that period. Large numerals and a sharp triangular marker at 12 completed the simple, but distinct dial. 

The watch required an oversized crown with deep ridges to allow for winding while wearing thick leather gloves and the leather straps were often extra long to accommodate a pilot's jacket underneath.

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