Unusual WW2 Luftwaffe RLM Marked - Record 433 Swiss Pocket Watch circa 1940

Here on offer is what appears to be a rare and unusual WW2 Luftwaffe RLM marked, Record 433 Swiss pocket watch, circa 1940.

I must stress I am not a watch expert, but this is what I have managed to find out about this watch so far.

The watch is a Record 433 Swiss keyless wind, 15 jewel, open faced WW2 military pocket watch.

Record was founded in 1903 in Tramelan, Switzerland as the Record Dreadnought S.A. In 1944, they produced the first watches with hammer automatic movements with rotor automatics following in 1952. Longines acquired Record in 1961 but, as with so many mechanical watch manufacturers, the company did not survive the quartz crisis.

It has a painted black metal unsigned dial and it has the image of a WW2 Luftwaffe eagle below the 12 o’clock position.

All the Arabic numerals are white and none of them are lumed, which is unusual for this style of watch? It does have lumed hands, which have oxidized over time and are no longer luminous.

There is also an unusual “white” subsidiary dial (they are normally black), with seconds at the 6 o’clock position on the watch face. The second’s numbers are in black and there is also a “4” and “20” on the dial, possibly a Luftwaffe unit reference?

The clear original watch lens is made from a period plastic/acrylic and has some light age cracking to the centre.

This particular watch has a Swiss stem-winding movement with 15 jewels which is working well and keeping good time.

The movement is stamped 15 jewels, Swiss made and the Record calibre number 433.

The case is plated and it has some rubbing and plating loss, as you would hope to see in a WW2 piece.

Now the back of the watch has been stamped with:

RLM
21665

The Reich Air Ministry, also known as the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) in German, was a key government department in Nazi Germany responsible for overseeing the country’s aviation industry and the Luftwaffe.

The RLM contracted numerous watch makers to supply “prototype” watches for pre-production evaluation. Only the best and most suitable would pass the rigorous RLM selection criteria. Then they would issue a contract number, for example FL 23883, so it is possible the number on this watch 21665, is the contract number for this type of pocket watch?

The only other types of this watch that I have seen have been issued to the British Military and had the back of the watch stamped with the military arrow, or pheon, and GSTP mark, General Service Time Piece or Trade Pattern.

Now the Swiss watch makers were known to supply both the allies and Nazis with watches during WW2, so it is not surprising to find the same style of watch with both military markings, I guess?

Reichsluftfahrtministerium (RLM) Brief History

Established in 1933, shortly after Adolf Hitler came to power, the RLM played a crucial role in the militarization and expansion of the German air force, the Luftwaffe.

Under the leadership of Hermann Göring, who served as the head of the RLM, the ministry was tasked with coordinating and developing Germany’s air power. Göring, a World War I veteran and one of Hitler’s closest associates had a strong interest in aviation and played a central role in shaping the Luftwaffe into a formidable force.

The RLM’s responsibilities included aircraft design and production, pilot training, strategic planning, and the procurement of resources for the Luftwaffe. It controlled and regulated both civilian and military aviation, effectively exerting influence over all aspects of German aviation activities.

One of the RLM’s major achievements was its implementation of the rearmament program, which aimed to rapidly build up the German military in violation of the Treaty of Versailles. The ministry facilitated the development of advanced aircraft, such as the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and the Junkers Ju 87 Stuka, which played significant roles in the early successes of the German military during World WW2.

During the war, the RLM played a crucial role in coordinating Luftwaffe operations, including strategic bombing campaigns, air support for ground forces, and defence against enemy aircraft. However, the ministry faced numerous challenges, such as resource shortages, strategic errors, and the increasing effectiveness of Allied air forces.

As the war progressed, the RLM’s influence and effectiveness declined. The Luftwaffe suffered significant losses and was unable to match the production capabilities of Allied air forces. Göring’s leadership and the RLM’s decision-making came under criticism for mismanagement and ineffective strategies.

With the fall of Nazi Germany in 1945, the Reich Air Ministry was disbanded, and its functions were absorbed into various post-war German government departments. Its legacy remains a controversial part of aviation and military history, associated with the rise and fall of the Luftwaffe and the devastating impact of the war.

This is a rare Luftwaffe RLM marked pocket watch and possibly a unique find or even a prototype?

It is in working order and seems to be keeping good time but I think it would benefit from a service.

The plating is rubbed and worn, but I can’t see any dents.

It measures is 50mm diameter and weighs 92g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

The watch will be securely packed but its working condition cannot be guaranteed upon its arrival, especially if it is being shipped outside the UK.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 51209