Pre-Owned Heuer Bundeswehr by Analog Shift Heuer Bundeswehr Sternzeit Reguliert AS03777/ L941252

Details

The case is in fantastic condition overall showing normal wear consistent with age and use. Luminous matte black dial is excellent condition with applied Arabic numerals, evenly patinated indices and matching handset. Unsigned crown. Caseback bears military engravings.

Includes reproduction black leather cuff strap with steel pin buckle.

Why We Love It

Known affectionally as the “Bund,” the Heuer Bundeswehr (German for 'Federal Defense') Reference 1550SG flies high amongst military chronographs. Strapping one on your wrist can conjure daydreams of piloting a F-4 Phantom II over Soviet airspace in the midst of the Cold War

These chronographs were issued for pilots in the air forces of many nations (including the Italian Air Force, under the brand Leonidas, which Heuer acquired in the 60s) but is best-known for its use by the Luftwaffe of West Germany. From the 1960s to the 1970s, the "Bund" (as it's affectionately known) saw a range of five dial configurations that baffle those not in the know; fortunately, the Heuer experts over at On The Dash have complied a comprehensive overview of these variations, which we'll summarize here.

The first has the letters '3H' surrounded by a circle and a small 'T' over 6:00, while the second only had the '3H' symbol and no 'T'. The third has a small 'T' just over 6:00, signifying that the luminescent material is Tritium. The fourth version, has no markings at all other than the Heuer logo at 12:00. and the fifth had the words 'STERNZEIT REGULIERT' printed over the 6:00 position. It is this last and most uncommon variant that we offer here.

This variant, a Reference 1551SG SZ, 'Sternzeit Reguliert' signifies that the timepiece was regulated for sidereal time, and was issued to artillery corps for calculating true north in conjunction with a survey telescope called a theodolite, an instrument used for measurement over two axes to determine positioning over the horizon.

The example we have offer here boasts a strong case, replete with machine and hand engraved military markings on the case back and is fitted to a German made reproduction cuff strap - also known as a 'Bund strap' to collectors. The dial is in excellent condition with brilliant patina, and the Valjoux 230 manually-winding flyback chronograph movement has just undergone a full overhaul, making it ready for whatever type of military or civilian maneuvers you want to put it through!