Bellaria was a small Swiss watch brand active during the mid-20th century. During the Second World War, Germany relied on Swiss manufacturers to supplement domestic watch production, commissioning everything from established names like Omega and Longines to smaller brands such as Recta, Mimo, Stabila and Bellaria. These watches were manufactured to military specifications for service within the German armed forces.

What’s On Offer

Here we have a fascinating vintage Bellaria German Wehrmacht military service watch, believed to date from the Second World War, circa 1940s.

The watch has a wonderfully characterful appearance, with its black dial, distinctive aged luminous markings and stainless-steel case providing all the visual appeal associated with vintage military timepieces.

The dial is particularly attractive. Its original black finish provides a striking contrast against the large Arabic numerals, which have developed a warm yellow-green patina over the decades. Bold rectangular markers occupy the 12, 3 and 9 o'clock positions, while a subsidiary seconds register sits neatly at 6 o'clock.

A railway-style minute track surrounds the dial, with luminous dots positioned at the hour markers to improve legibility. The luminous syringe-style hands have also aged sympathetically, complementing the overall appearance.

The Bellaria signature sits beneath 12 o'clock, accompanied by the words Waterproof and Antimagnetic, reflecting two desirable qualities in a practical military wristwatch of the period.

The dial displays an appealing degree of age-related character while retaining its clear, purposeful design.

Turning the watch over reveals one of its most historically interesting features: a caseback engraved with the German military ownership markings 'Wehrm. Eigent.' and 'Dienstuhr'.

These inscriptions are abbreviations of Wehrmacht Eigentum, meaning 'Property of the Armed Forces', and Dienstuhr, translating as 'Service Watch'.

The caseback also carries the markings 'Nr 2895' and '3014', providing additional identifying details associated with the watch, although their precise significance has not been established.

Unlike the more familiar abbreviated D.H. markings encountered on many German military wristwatches, this example carries a fuller ownership inscription, making it a particularly interesting piece for collectors of wartime horology.

The caseback is additionally stamped 'Fond Acier Inoxydable', indicating a stainless-steel back.

These markings provide compelling evidence of the watch's military connection, although they do not identify the individual serviceman or particular military unit associated with it.

The stainless-steel case measures approximately 30mm across, with a lug-to-lug measurement of 36mm. Its compact dimensions are entirely in keeping with wristwatch design of the period.

The case displays attractive marks of wear consistent with its age, retaining the honest character expected of a vintage military timepiece.

Inside is the A. Schild Calibre 1130, a 15-jewel, manually wound Swiss movement widely associated with military watches of the 1940s.

The watch is fitted with a grey leather strap featuring contrasting cream stitching, which complements the aged tones of the dial beautifully.

Condition Report:

Crystal: Very Good

Dial: Very Good

Bezel: Very Good

Case: Good

Movement: Currently With Watchmaker Being Serviced

Overall: Good