Classic B-Uhr Pilot
The Dekla Flieger 42 Type B Bronze combines a historic B-Uhr design and a manually wound movement with modern in-house engineering with a bronze CuSn8 German case.
Dekla is a German watch manufacture based in Stuttgart. They specialize in the the building of watch cases, certain movement parts, watch dials, and the production of hands - all in-house. Their engineering capabilities and hands-on approach allow them to produce watches with a remarkable attention to detail.
While the design dates back more than 80 years, we believe Dekla has set a new standard for Made in Germany Flieger watches.
Historic Design
During World War II, a position of great importance within the German Luftwaffe was that of the Beobachter. The Beobachter (spotter) was a pilot designated to perform reconnaissance flights and locate targets of significance using a map and a compass. To measure distance and to time bombing runs, the Beobachter also needed a legible and easy-to-use wristwatch. Enter the Beobachtungsuhr, or B-Uhr- the observer's watch.
The technical specifications for a B-Uhr watch were determined by the Reich Ministry of Aviation. Its design was simple, but distinct. It often emphasized minutes and seconds by putting those numerals around the outside of the dial with a smaller hour track in the center. Arguably the most significant element was the presence of a central mounted seconds hand- a departure from the typical pocket watches of that period.
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. Lume was a necessity for low-light flights, and the radium paint used on the numerals and hands cemented the design for the original German "B-Uhr" watch. This watch features old radium SuperLuminova.
In keeping with historic pilot's watches, this watch has "FL 23883" engraved into the side of the case. Early German pilot's watches featured the same engraving to certify its worthiness as an official pilot's instrument. "FL" (Fliegnummer) meant that it was affiliated with aviation equipment. "23” meant that it was a navigational device. "883” confirmed that the watch was tested by the research institute (Deutsche Versuchsanstalt für Luftfahrt).
What's So Special About Bronze?
As bronze ages and patinas, the overall look of the watch changes with it. For a watch like this, the bronze case allows the watch to quickly develop a vintage look that matches its historic design.
The watch case is crafted from CuSn8 bronze, with the exception of the case back which is stainless steel. Each watch case will develop its own natural patina over time due to the gradual oxidation of the bronze, adding to the truly special nature of each piece.
Important features of this watch include:
- CuSn8 bronze case with stainless steel case back
- Flame blued hands made in-house
- Black lacquered dial
- Bronze diamond crown
- Sapphire crystal with interior AR coating
- White SuperLuminova BGW9 on hands and hours (glows green)
- SW210-1 manual winding movement
- Water resistant to 100 meters
This watch is fitted with a brown leather Dekla strap with brown stitching.
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Dekla Flieger 42 Type B Bronze