Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII military service wristwatch by Siegerin, bearing the serial number D 2878399 on the reverse of the case. Watches of this general type were produced for German military service during WWII, with “D” and “D.H.” marked examples having long been the subject of collector research and debate regarding their precise branch of issue. This example is fitted with its original movement, case, crown, dial, and other watch components. The leather wristband is a high quality modern replacement.

The watch is presently non-functional and should be considered a restoration project or display piece. The movement remains present and will sometimes operate, but frequently stops when the watch is moved or rotated. The seconds hand is missing. Please also note that the stainless steel case back is reverse threaded and should not be forced in the conventional direction when being removed.

The watch has an attractive original chromium plated metal case with fixed lug bars and a screw-on stainless steel back. The reverse is impressed with the military issue number:

D 2878399

There is no letter H following the serial number. Some collectors have traditionally associated these “D” only service watches with Luftwaffe issue, while the more familiar “D.H.” marked watches are often associated with the Heer. However, the exact wartime meaning and allocation of all of these markings remains a subject of debate, and a Luftwaffe attribution cannot be stated with certainty.

The case remains in good overall condition with scattered small nicks, scuffs, and surface wear from age and use. The original chromium plated crown is still present. The watch retains its acrylic crystal and original black military style dial, which is marked in white:

SIEGERIN

The original movement is still housed within the case. As noted, it will occasionally run but is unreliable and frequently stops, particularly when the watch is moved. No attempt has been made to represent it as functioning correctly, and it will require professional servicing or restoration if the new owner wishes to return it to regular operation.

German military wristwatches of WWII were supplied by a large number of German and Swiss manufacturers and retailers. Typical service watches featured black dials with luminous numerals and hands, subsidiary seconds displays, sturdy cases, and screw-on backs intended to withstand the demands of military use.

The markings found on these watches have generated considerable discussion among collectors. The initials D.H. are commonly interpreted as Dienstuhr Heer, or Army Service Watch, although other interpretations have also been proposed. Period documentation has shown that watches bearing D.H. serial numbers were not necessarily confined exclusively to Heer personnel, as examples have been associated with Luftwaffe servicemen as well.

A smaller number of otherwise similar watches are encountered with only the letter D accompanying the serial number. These have sometimes been attributed to the Luftwaffe, while other theories suggest issue to government or paramilitary organizations such as railway personnel. With much of the relevant wartime documentation no longer surviving, the precise allocation of D-only watches has not been conclusively established.

This Siegerin example remains an appealing original WWII service wristwatch despite its mechanical condition. Its original black dial, military issue serial number, fixed lug case, surviving movement, and desirable D-only marking make it an interesting candidate for restoration or display within a German WWII timepiece collection.

Condition: Non-functional. The movement intermittently operates but frequently stops. The seconds hand is missing. The leather wristband is a modern replacement. The case shows small nicks, scuffs, and normal age-related wear.