WWII Minerva German Army Watch 1942 – Authentic Military Relic, DH Marking, Manual Movement, Very Good Condition

£1,743.00

This exceptional Minerva watch, dating back to WWII, is a remarkable piece of history, in fantastic condition considering its 80 years of age. Stamped with the distinctive “DH” for Deutsches Heer (German Army), with a serial number between the D and H, this watch was issued to a German soldier during the war, likely no later than 1945. Known for their high-quality craftsmanship, German-issued military watches from this era are identifiable by features like a screw-down case, subsidiary seconds dial, fixed lug pins, and a nickel-chrome case—all present here. This is more than just a watch; it’s a living piece of history, a rare and intriguing find that raises the question of which soldier in the Axis Forces may have worn this prestigious timepiece.

Thank you for viewing our listing! We are a boutique family-run business with a passion for fine timepieces, specialising in vintage watches but offering much more. With a strong track record of 100% positive feedback, we are dedicated to ensuring every customer is completely satisfied. What began as a personal collection sale from a retiree has grown into a thriving family of watch enthusiasts, all sharing the same love for horology. For more carefully curated timepieces, be sure to check out Chronometri and our online profile for additional exceptional watches. We look forward to assisting you soon!

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Welcome to Chronometri! We are a boutique, family-run business with a passion for fine timepieces. While vintage watches are at the heart of what we do, our carefully curated collection offers so much more. For a full stock list and to explore our latest arrivals, be sure to visit us online at our website. We have a wide selection of exceptional watches waiting for you—many with 360° viewing. We look forward to assisting you and sharing our passion for timepieces soon.
WWII Minerva German Army Watch

This incredible Minerva watch, dating back to WWII, is a stunning piece of working history, and its condition is nothing short of remarkable, especially considering the journey it has likely endured over the past 80 years. The watch bears the distinctive "DH" marking—standing for Deutsches Heer (German Army)—with a serial number located between the D and H, corresponding to the soldier's inventory entry in their ID card or salary book. This directly links the watch to the German military, with its origin dating no later than 1945, and likely manufactured well before that.

German-issued watches from this era are easily identifiable by several key features: a screw-down case, subsidiary seconds dial, fixed lug pins, and the "D" number followed by "H" stamped on the case back. This Minerva checks all those boxes, making it an authentic and rare find. The nickel-chrome case remains in excellent condition, further proof of the brand's legendary craftsmanship.

This timepiece isn't just a watch—it's a piece of military history. The question remains: who in the Axis Forces wore this high-end, beautifully crafted Minerva? The watch's provenance and unique markings make it a fascinating relic from a time gone by, adding an undeniable layer of intrigue to an already exceptional piece.

Key Specifications

REFERENCE NUMBER: N/A
BRAND: Minerva
STYLE: Wristwatch
CONDITION: Very Good
SCOPE OF DELIVERY: No original box, no original papers
MOVEMENT: Manual
CASE MATERIAL: Steel
BRACELET MATERIAL: Steel
YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 1942
CASE DIAMETER: 34 x 43mm
CASE THICKNESS: 12mm
CRYSTAL: Mineral

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