Heuer’s Bundeswehr flyback chronograph watch was made for the German military from the 1960s until the early 1970s. The brand manufactured the watches to meet the specifications required by each branch of the force, and therefore there are several variations of the model available. The present example is the rare “Sternzeit Reguliert” model, which rarely appears at auction. The designation “Sternzeit Reguliert” printed at the bottom of the dial is German for “sidereal time”. This is the method to tell time based on the earth’s rotation in relationship to a distant star and not the sun. A sidereal day lasts 23 hours and 56 minutes.
German artillery forces used sidereal time along with theodolite positions to determine horizontal and vertical planes, which were instrumental in rocket launching. The case back is engraved with the 13-digit NATO stock number “Bundeswehr 6645-12-148-2298” and is typical of these military timepieces. The present lot is not only an extremely rare example, but is in superb condition with strong bevelled lugs, an untouched dial, and original cuff bracelet. Furthermore, the lot is accompanied by the original full portfolio of astronomical calculations and a sky chart. Collectors affectionately refer to these German military watches as the “Bund”, and this rugged and well preserved example will delight connoisseurs of military timepieces.