Wempe Pilots Navigation Wristwatch

A historically significant Wempe pilot’s navigation wristwatch, circa 1940, designed for Luftwaffe aviators during the Second World War. The large stainless steel case houses a matte black Type B “B-Uhr” dial, featuring an outer minute track from 5 to 55 with luminous Arabic numerals and an inner hour ring, paired with blued-steel sword hands and a central seconds hand for optimal legibility during flight. Powered by a manual-wind movement, the watch is fitted with its characteristic oversized onion crown—allowing operation while wearing gloves—and a brown riveted leather strap reminiscent of wartime issue. Measuring approximately 55mm in diameter, this example captures the utilitarian precision and bold design language of military aviation watches of the era.