World War 2 Helma German Army watch with DH marking Original leather strap
World War 2 German Army watch made by Helma of Pforzheim circa 1941 probably at their Bremen factory. It is a very original military wristwatch with aged finish to case, produced by the German company "Helma" during the war. It is a large watch for the time, measuring about 34 mm. With original black dial and Arabic numerals from 1 to 12.
On the back of the stainless steel case is stamped the correct military code "D 00517 H". In the middle of the case, the logo of the company consisting of a stylized ancient helmet, on the base of which is inserted the name "HELMA". The watch features the famous Swiss calibre A. Used by most German manufacturers at the time for its "shock-proof" features required for military watches. The 15 jewel movement is in good condition with the watch keeping accurate time over a 24 hour period, the watch is fully functional and can also be worn daily.
The strap is original 95/135mm and due to age I would recommend replacing it with a new strap for everyday wear. The watch is manual wind, is equipped with an anti-shock mechanism as required by the Wehrmacht purchasing bureau, it has a nickel-plated brass case and stainless steel caseback. The maximum manual charge lasts 38 hours. The set of these features are known as "Wehrmachtswerk" (military characteristics). The alphanumeric code "D 00517 H" is engraved on the caseback indicates "Dienstuhr Heer" (Army Service Watch) and the serial number was written in the military soldbuch for the soldier who had been issued with it.
All German military watches were designed for the Wehrmacht and ordered by the Wehrmacht to the various Swiss and German manufacturers Titus, Alpina, Mulco, Silvana, Minerva, Helveta, Record, Arsa, Helma, Helios, Bueren, Zenith, Longines etc. Both pocket and wristwatches had to have an screw case back and were durable shocks.
They also had to have a black dial with a smaller dial for seconds, and the hands and numbers had to be phosphorescent. This "HELMA" watch is a perfect example of this, still with original lume on the hands which glows in the dark. Was founded in 1872 in Pforzheim, a small town in the Black Forest, which over time became one of the main areas for the production of watches.
In the early 1920s, with the introduction and development of the wristwatch, Helma expanded rapidly by also building a factory in Bremen from where the military watches destined for the Wehrmacht with the helmet logo were manufactured. The item "World War 2 Helma German Army watch with DH marking Original leather strap" is in sale since Friday, November 20, 2020.This item is in the category "Jewellery & Watches\Watches, Parts & Accessories\Watches\Wristwatches". The seller is "noca" and is located in St.
This item can be shipped worldwide.- Strap Material: Leather
- Department: Men
- Style: Military
- Case Material: Chrome plate
- Dial Style: 12-Hour Dial
- Movement: Mechanical (Manual)
- Type: Wristwatch
- Features: Luminous Hands
- Dial Colour: Black
- Vintage: Yes
- Year Manufactured: 1940-1949
- Display: Analogue
- Brand: Helma
- Strap Colour: Brown
- Case Size: 34mm