anton Posted March 6, 2008 Report Share Posted March 6, 2008 I've been debating lately between the two. I took a look back into my collection and figured I would like a watch that has some actual historical value, rather than the ones that are (or were) replicas of those made for WWII. In case you didn't know, these are the two watches I am talking about: This one is one of the Kampfschwimmer (German Commando Frogmen) examples: and this is the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) example: As we all know, both watches carry a pretty premium, but it has invaluable historical value. Which would you choose? Thanks in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmcsherry Posted March 6, 2008 Report Share Posted March 6, 2008 Buying a gen?! When you say a 'premium', you do realise that a fairly average 3646 would demand around $60,000, whilst a 6152/1 with an Angelus movement could be anywhere from $100,000 upwards if you're looking for a decent model? That's a lot of money for someone who hangs around on rep boards! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anton Posted March 7, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 I guess I was in way over my head when I thought about the Kampfschwimmer. I thought about the Luftwaffe initally because I've had the fortune to purchase a IWC Big Pilot. Then I thought about historical value, Stan's Steinhart, and who made one that would be less than the BP in cost. Little did I know that Lange commisioned some watches and they sell for around $5K today. Seems to be more affordable. The Kampfschwimmer would be nothing but a dream, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmcsherry Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 I guess I was in way over my head when I thought about the Kampfschwimmer. I thought about the Luftwaffe initally because I've had the fortune to purchase a IWC Big Pilot. Then I thought about historical value, Stan's Steinhart, and who made one that would be less than the BP in cost. Little did I know that Lange commisioned some watches and they sell for around $5K today. Seems to be more affordable. The Kampfschwimmer would be nothing but a dream, though. A nice dream though! The Pilot watch would be awesome - some of the old Laco's are really nice, but a bit big (55mm IIRC!). How about something unique like a Hamilton 'USN Buships' Canteen watch? Certainly a head turner with a lot of historical value - it was a 40's US Frogman standard-issue watch (same as the 3646). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadweller4000 Posted March 7, 2008 Report Share Posted March 7, 2008 In fact, at least 5 companies built watches for the german Luftwaffe during WWII. Lange&S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AY CEE Posted March 9, 2008 Report Share Posted March 9, 2008 Which would you choose? None!!! F--K those nazi bastards!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
POTR Posted March 9, 2008 Report Share Posted March 9, 2008 Don't forget the Zeppelinfliegers.... At least a couple of photos and the topic here are a bit painful for me... (recent, not ancient, history), so I'll just wish you luck on your quest... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anton Posted March 9, 2008 Author Report Share Posted March 9, 2008 Don't forget the Zeppelinfliegers.... At least a couple of photos and the topic here are a bit painful for me... (recent, not ancient, history), so I'll just wish you luck on your quest... My family was affected by the actions of WWII, but I learnt to move on by absorbing the history of the military(ies) of the various wars and I like to carry a bit of memorabilia so that it can better explained to future generations. Our evolution, if you will. I am buying a Hamilton Navy BU Ships watch and getting the watch refinished. The irony is that my wife is Jewish and my late great-uncle was a German military man. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
POTR Posted March 9, 2008 Report Share Posted March 9, 2008 Anton, painful recent history, as in at least two of the watches already mentioned here, were, but are no longer, in my collection. Even more painful now, as my collection is yet again undergoing a major sell off, only a small parcel visible here in this corner of my life. My family name is German, (more Swiss German these days), my mother's family name French (although more related to theme parks these days) and family history crosses all the lines and all the sides of almost every major conflict since 1066. Again, I wish you luck with your search. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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