B-Uhr. Beobachtungsuhr or Observation Watch. The first true pilot watch. A masterpiece of reliable simplicity and precision. For this first new design type since the original in the 1930s, we answered the question: how would the B-Uhr have been made today? The result: the first B-uhr executed as a monopusher COSC chronometer chronograph with elapsed time function operated by the bezel.
Specified for purpose
To be called a B-Uhr the original specifications for this type of watch have to be respected and the Watch Angels design type does: 1) chronometer precision 2) anti-magnetism. 3) generous dial diameter, essential dial graphics and strong luminous material for legibility and 4) generous crown for pilot usability.
Where it goes further is in functionalities and design refinement.
The Watch Angels design type
Undoubtedly, if the B-Uhr had been specified today it would be a chronograph, a function pilot can’t miss, and comfortably wearable every day. But how to preserve the original B-Uhr aesthetics ? By encasing a monopusher chronograph with a single 3o min counter and by making sure that when the chronograph is not active the “Baumuster B” dial design looks like the original one by having the chronograph hand and the 30min counter hand exactly obverlap. With these design choices the Watch Angels B-Uhr looks like an original B-Uhr while being a chronograph, and is a size of 44mm which is sensible for daily wear.
The unique features
Elapsed time indicator
The Watch Angels design type features an elapsed time system which is operated by the bezel. A mechanical system connecting bezel and 30min counter disk allows to move a marker on the disk by turning the bezel. When 30min chronograph hand and market align in the set position the defined time has elapsed.
Power indicator
The design imperative of preserving the original B-Uhr aesthetics demanded to remove the watch seconds hand at 9h. This hand has been substituted with a power indicator that can be seen through an aperture at 9h. The power indicator allows the wearer to check if the watch is powered.
Display case-back on the anti-magnetic cage
As mandatory for a B-Uhr, the Watch Angels B-Uhr carries the military markings which identify the design type, item code, movement and manufacturer. It does so in an unusual and unique way. Instead of engraving them on the case-back, they have been engraved on the anti-magnetic soft iron cage – which protects the movement from magnetic fields – and made visible through a sapphire crystal display case-back.
The collection
The Watch Angels B-Uhr collection features 5 models, three with gunmetal or black DLC coated case, including a stealth model, and two with Stainless steel case.
The technical specifications
- Type of Production: Swiss made. In-house production.
- Production quality level: Top grade.
- Movement: Swiss made Sellita self-winding SW500 MPC b cam operated mono-pusher chronometer chronograph, COSC certified. Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds (transformed into power indicator), 30min chronograph, 25 Jewels. 28’800 bhp/4HzPower . 62h Power reserve.
- Case Features: 316L (1.4404) stainless steel; sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment; bi-directional turning bezel which operates the elapsed time marker; display sapphire case-back.
- Case Finishes: 6 to 9 brushed central case-body; circular brushed lugs with polished bevel; circular brushed bezel with polished ring; circular brushed case back with polished bevel and sandblasted notches.
- Dial: Applied minutes ring; matt or sunray dials with applied 12,3,6,9 indexes; 30min chronograph counter at 12 o’clock with elapsed time marker; power indicator by disk at 9 o’clock; X1 grade Superluminova® luminous hands and print.
- Strap: genuine Italian leather with 316L (1.4404) stainless steel pin buckle.
- Water Resistance: 10 ATM / 100m / 333ft.
About Watch Angels
Watch Angels is a leading Swiss watch manufacturer based in Mendrisio, Switzerland. It has developed the crowd manufacturing system and operates the watchangels.ch platform. On Watch Angels the watch enthusiasts community can fund watch projects by independent creators and brands.
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