HUBER – Reverso Gold “Adolf Hitler Presentation Watch” Auction 2022

Andreas HUBER – N.S.D.A.P. "Reverso" 18K Yellow Gold Watch “Adolf Hitler Presentation Watch” Alexander Historical Live Auction 2022

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

A World War II relic of historic proportions, a gold Andreas Huber reversible wristwatch, given to Adolf Hitler himself most likely on April 20, 1933, when on his 44th birthday the dictator was named with former Chancellor Paul von Hindenburg, an honorary citizen of Bavaria – the first such honor in the history of Germany.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

This incredible watch has an unwavering direct provenance from a French soldier who seized the watch as ‘spoils of war' on Friday May 4, 1945, when his unit became the first Allied force to arrive at Hitler's retreat at Berchtesgaden in the mountains of Bavaria. The watch and its history have been researched by some of the world's most experienced and respected watchmakers and military historians, all of whom have concluded that it is authentic and indeed belonged to Adolf Hitler.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The watch carries a movement originally made by LeCoultre, and a case made by a subcontractor, the assembled combination being reversible, allowing the entire case to be rotated 180 degrees to protect the watch face when desired or simply to display the engraving. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The body supporting the rotating case bears a Swiss "key" hallmark and a German gold hallmark. This indicates Swiss manufacture of the frame which was then exported to Germany where it was again hallmarked as "gold" as required by law. The yellow gold case is numbered "2951", the white gold support frame is numbered "2939". 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTOClearly, the frame was subcontracted to another Swiss manufacturer, probably in La Chaux de Fonds. The close difference between the serial numbers seems to indicate very similar dates of manufacture. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The watch is fitted with a black lizard strap with an 18K gold pin buckle.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The mechanical movement is a hand-wound LeCoultre caliber no. 410-11U, numbered "12755", manufactured by the LeCoultre establishment in December 1932.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The dimensions of the watch are 23 x 38 mm. with the lugs, 23 x 33 mm. without the lugs, thickness 8 mm. The gross weight of the watch is 41.48 grams.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The front of the watch has a black dial bearing the name "HUBER" painted in black lacquer with applied indexes in gold and a "railway" design also painted all around the dial as well as around the second counter at six o'clock. Golden sword-shaped hour and minute hands are present.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The reverse of the watch links this piece directly to Adolf Hitler and the N.S.D.A.P. On the back of the yellow gold case appears a polychrome engraving, lacquered in red, white and black, presenting a swastika surmounted by an engraving of the first Nazi eagle (a "Reichsadler") and a mobile (or inclined) swastika surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves. Appearing below are two art deco initials "A H", lacquered black. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

This is a so-called negative execution in which previously hollowed-out letters have been filled with black lacquer. The swastika is surrounded by three dates: "20.4.89-30.1.33-5.3.33". The first date (20.4.89) corresponds to Hitler's date of birth in Braunau Am Inn, Austria. The second date (30.1.33) marks the date of his appointment as Chancellor of Germany, when Field Marshal Paul Von Hindenburg asked Hitler, leader of the N.S.D.A.P., to form a new German government. The third date (5.3.33) celebrates the date of the federal elections in Germany which gave Hitler access to full power.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

This engraving is of exceptionally high quality, and its style points to its creation by an artisan subcontracted by Huber and already adept at N.S.D.A.P.-related engravings.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The watch was commissioned by the N.S.D.A.P. and assembled and engraved by the highly-respected German watch firm Andreas Huber, in Munich. The company was founded in 1856 and by 1912 Huber had become the official watch supplier to the Royal Court of Bavaria. Huber quickly became a must-have watch brand for all German officers. As such, the brand won the distinction of ‘the Royal watch with luminous dial for military campaigns'. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

From 1913 to 1920, on the strength of its success, the brand opened several other boutiques in Berlin, Dusseldorf and Nuremberg. The brand's excellent reputation grew over the years as it supplied watches to public transport systems, various prestigious racing events, and to the 1936 Winter Olympics. The company even introduced a ‘talking clock'.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

From the 1930s, Huber developed several brands including Nautica and Secura, and marketed several other renowned brands under its own brand name. It is a documented fact that some major manufacturers including Universal Geneve, Movado, Cyma, and IWC all agreed to deliver high-end movements to Huber and sometimes even complete watches with dials already signed ‘HUBER'. Huber assembled watches using these fine components from Swiss watchmakers – which is clearly the case in this example. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Here, the movement was made by LeCoultre, the case by a Swiss contractor, and the watch frame, numbered and hallmarked, by a contractor in Switzerland. The maker of the frame is not identified but the frame was hallmarked in Switzerland by an organization of manufacturers. It was then shipped to Germany where it was again hallmarked for its gold content, as required by law. The dial may have been fabricated by Huber, or may have been "personalized" using a "blank" provided by a manufacturer.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Jaeger-LeCoultre advises it has no production records regarding this watch. No wartime documents can be obtained from Andreas Huber – their factory was bombed and subsequently burned down during World War II.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Before his appointment as chancellor in January 1933, Adolf Hitler had already received many gifts from friends, party members, German companies, and heads of state. From March 1933, having become Chancellor of Germany, gifts to Hitler poured in. The use of the first N.S.D.A.P. Reichsadler dates the watch to no later than 1934, when the "second pattern" political Reichsadler came into common use. It is doubtful that the use of this eagle for any purpose beyond official Nazi Party business would have been authorized at that time. It is therefore very likely that this watch was offered to Adolf Hitler by the hierarchy of the Nazi party or the S.A. following the 1933 elections or during the Bavarian citizenship ceremonies of April 20, 1933.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

On May 4, 1945, about thirty French soldiers belonging to the Regiment de Marche du Tchad, a unit of the 2nd Armored Division commanded by the brilliant General Philippe Leclerc, stormed the Berghof, barely ahead of the American troops of the 3rd Armored Division. Among the members of this unit was Sergeant Robert Mignot who with his comrades quickly gained access to Hitler's secondary residence and the Eagle's Nest, both abandoned by all the occupants and guards. They also discovered the vast system of tunnels and bunkers under the house. This is probably where this watch – and other valuables – were found and taken away by the French as war souvenirs. 

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Reports written at the time, contemporary documents and diaries, as well as statements from veterans, clearly show that these French soldiers certainly had ample time on the spot to hunt for any ‘spoils of war' they could find, limited only by what they could carry in their backpacks. Of course, items marked with Hitler's name were considered the best prizes, and many of these historic relics have come to market in the intervening years. Sergeant Mignot returned to France with the watch and resold it over time to his cousin, our consignor's grandfather. It has remained in the exclusive possession of the Mignot family and that of our consignor since its discovery and has never been offered for sale before. Sergeant Robert Mignot's service record with the 2nd Armored Division is also fully documented with records, documents, photographs and a statement from a fellow soldier, with copies available to potential bidders. A detailed letter of provenance from Mignot's daughter is also present.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The watch is in exceptional condition. The watch has been examined by an expert intimately familiar with the movement installed and he has advised that it appears that only a cleaning to remove dried oil is required. He mentioned no other faults – as would be expected. The reptile band is frayed at one end. It can be kept or replaced, as desired.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Extract from the reference book: “Les Montres-Bracelets Cent Ans d'Histoire” by H. Kahlert-R.
Mühe and L. Brunner, published by Bibliothèque des Arts, Paris.

Letter from Jaeger-LeCoultre (translated from the original French) 22 June 2017

“…To follow up on your visit to the factory on Tuesday June 6, 2017 concerning the identification of a timepiece, we are able to confirm that on the basis of the photos you have shown us it is indeed a Reverso model. The movement is a LeCoultre 410 or ITU movement. It bears the number 12755 and was produced in our factory in December 1932. However, the word

LeCoultre originally engraved on it has been erased and replaced by the name A Huber. This transformation was carried out a posteriori, after the watch had left our factory. Furthermore, we can tell you that we have no trace of a client A. Huber in our archives. We cannot determine ourselves anything on the engraving affixed to the back of the watch. In any case, it was not produced within the factory since at that time the LeCoultre establishments did not have an engraving workshop…”

[Signed] Stephane Belmont

 

Potential bidders are invited to request the fully-detailed, illustrated PDF document containing letters of provenance, a complete description of the watch, an appraisal and expertise by a world-renowned watch historian and auction consultant, multiple evidentiary photographs, excerpts of documents, period advertisements, a study of hallmarks, a comparative analysis of similar watches and related correspondence, Sergent Mignot's archives, as well as those documenting his presence at the Berghof, appraisals, and more. Printed copies of this voluminous document are available at a nominal cost.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

While Hitler's correspondence, his silverware, and even his paintings and articles of his clothing and uniforms are regularly offered for sale, in only a few instances in a lifetime would one see a piece of Hitler's jewelry come up for auction.  

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

And a spectacular wristwatch, especially given to the dictator by his most ardent supporters, has never seen the light of day. It is an absolutely unique and important historical object. This is a rare opportunity for the discriminating collector to obtain one of the most important timepieces ever created.

Click, to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Estimate: USD 3'000'000 - 4'000'000

Starting bid: USD 1'000'000

======================

For more information, please visit www.alexautographs.com

GREUBEL FORSEY – Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture Edition

 

GREUBEL FORSEY – Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture en Titanium Exclusive Edition 2022

Click , to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

GREUBEL FORSEY "ARCHITECTURE":
A CITY ON THE WRIST

Click , to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture is unlike any Greubel Forsey timepiece ever created. Its case is wholly atypical, its construction purposeful, its components sculptural, their mechanical interplay kinetic and the movement – simply spectacular! This new Greubel Forsey calibre within a new convex conical frustrum case shape represents a complete departure from traditional movement construction and aesthetics and brings an architectural experience to the wrist.

Click , to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

History is made of continuous progress and, at times, clear ruptures. Fine Watchmaking is no exception, with 250 years of patiently accumulated achievements and, from time to time, breaches, upheavals or revolutions. Greubel Forsey initiated some of them with the Double Tourbillon 30°, the Quadruple Tourbillon, the Double Balancier and the Mechanical Computer of the QP à Équation, to name just a few.

 Click , to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

From an aesthetic point of view, its asymmetrical and convex case shapes, or its inclined escapements have opened up new paths in watchmaking design. But never before has Greubel Forsey taken the technical and aesthetic integration of one of its timepieces as far as it has with the Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture.

AN UNOBSTRUCTED VIEW

The new Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture is not easy to apprehend. Its components are suspended in space, revealing a harmonious composition of surfaces, shapes and movements. 

Click , to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The case showcases the spectacle within firstly through the large opening on the dial side, encompassed by relief-engraved Greubel Forsey values that inspired this creation: Architecture, Harmonie, Innovation, Technique, Bienfacture, Passion, Science, Exclusivité, Créativité.

Click , to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

While the case looks perfectly round when observed from the dial side, it reveals its convex shape from other angles, along with its large synthetic sapphire crystal ring which envelopes the entire periphery of the caseband.

Click , to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Greubel Forsey has been integrating lateral sapphire crystal apertures since as early as 2007, but has never before rendered a movement visible from above, below, and from every angle around the caseband. This new case construction enables an exhaustive look at even the smallest detail of the movement, but also allows light to penetrate almost unhindered. 

Click , to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

It is light which sculpts matter and reveals architecture in its intimacy, through a play of shadows and reflections. It bathes the movement to reveal it fully and in all of its complexity and is thus itself a vital contribution to the aesthetic of this exclusive timepiece.

A COMPLETELY NEW CASE CONSTRUCTION

In addition to its aesthetic contribution in showcasing the movement, the case offers a very unique experience on the wrist. Its convex shape profile ensures optimal ergonomics and wrist comfort. Pushing the envelope further still, Greubel Forsey has now conceived a case which is not only convex but also resembles a conical frustum in its geometry.

Click , to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

In the Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture, the diameter around the caseback (47.05mm) is wider than it is around the bezel (45mm), thus combining the best of two worlds: It contains enough volume to fully showcase the movement architecture within, while at the same time giving the impression of being significantly smaller than it actually is. 

Click , to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Finally, the 50m water-resistant titanium case features three-dimensional, variable geometry lugs, hand-polished with hand-finished straight graining, flowing seamlessly into a rubber strap with embossed text and finished with a titanium folding clasp.

A MOVEMENT UNLIKE ANY OTHER

While the case represents a significant technical feat in its own right, the Greubel Forsey movement remains the star of the show. The polished titanium bridges immediately stand out from the frosted finish of the mainplate, and spectacularly so: emerging seemingly out of nowhere, they wind their way through the movement to finally impose themselves flush with the sapphire crystal. 

Click , to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

At 6 o’clock, the Tourbillon 24 Secondes is moored from a large spherical and openworked bridge, whose base remains hidden by design. In its form, the inclined escapement defies gravity, while in its function, it compensates for it. 

Click , to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

To solve the problem of critical positions of the oscillator in relation to gravity, the Tourbillon 24 Secondes uses a fast rotation speed in addition to a 25° inclination. These two elements combined contribute to excellent chronometric performance, especially in stable positions.

Click , to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The barrel bridge at 10 o’clock is sculpted similarly, with polished spherical surfaces, along with polished beveling and countersinks. 

Click , to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The barrel cover is engraved, lacquered and circular-grained and contains three coaxial series-coupled fast-rotating barrels, one of which is equipped with a slipping spring to avoid excess tension. 

Click , to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The caliber’s energy source provides 90 hours of chronometric power reserve, indicated by a moving red triangle over a conical disk at 3 o’clock. It too is held in place by a beautiful polished titanium bridge. 

Click , to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

In the center, we find two large curved, openworked and polished steel hands, indicating the hours and minutes, mounted on a signature Greubel Forsey tripod bridge. 

Click , to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The time indication is completed at 8 o’clock by a small second on a cylinder with polished flanks – mirroring and echoing every other component in its vicinity

 AN EXCLUSIVE FUSION OF TECHNICITY AND AESTHETICS

The 354 parts of the movement are sculpted and arranged asymmetrically yet harmoniously, almost as if they had issued from an organic growth process found in the natural world. 

Click , to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Each component is suspended in an unexpected three-dimensional plane, yet it is exactly where it should be aesthetically, technically in relation to every other component. 

Click , to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The movement is vibrant and urban, yet it has space to breathe. The Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture is a marvel of contemporary design and a physical manifestation of the Greubel Forsey Art of Invention.

Click , to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

The Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture will be limited to only 11 pieces in 2022, then to 18 pieces a year between 2023 and 2025 for a total of 65 exclusive timepieces overall.

 -----------------------------------------
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Collection: CONVEXE Tourbillon 24

Model:  Tourbillon 24 Secondes Architecture In titanium

 Hand-wound movement with 2 patents

Tourbillon 24 Secondes • hours and minutes • small seconds
• 24-seconds tourbillon rotation • power-reserve

Movement
Movement dimensions
• Overall diameter: 38.70mm
• Thickness: 12.35mm
Number of parts
• Movement: 354 parts
• Tourbillon cage: 86 parts
• Weight of the cage: 0.38g
Number of jewels • 42
• Olived-domed jewels in gold chatons Chronometric power reserve • 90 hours

Click , to see the large size. ▶ BIG FOTO

Barrels
• Three coaxial series-coupled fast-rotating barrels
(1 turn in 3.2 hours), one of which is equipped with a slipping spring to avoid excess tension
• Engraved pattern with Greubel Forsey, lacquered, circular-grained
Balance wheel
• Variable-inertia with gold mean-time screws (10mm diameter)
Frequency • 21’600 vibrations/hour
Balance springs
• Phillips terminal curve
• Geneva-style stud
Bridges and main plate
• Titanium
• Frosted, polished bevelling and countersinks
• Polished spherical bridges, polished bevelling and countersinks
• Three-dimensional centre bridge, frosted, polished bevelling and countersinks
Movement side
• Three-dimensional power-reserve bridge, frosted, polished bevelling and countersinks
• Tourbillon bridge, polished bevelling and countersinks, circular-grained
• Engraved pattern with individual number,circular-grained, straightgrained flanks
Tourbillon
• Inclined at a 25° angle, 24-seconds rotation
• Light alloy cage pillars
• Titanium cage bridges
• Gold counterweight
Gearing
• Involute circle profile
• Tangential inclined gear on fixed wheel and
profiled teeth on escape wheel pinion
Displays
• Hours and minutes
• Small seconds
• Power reserve on a sector
• Tourbillon rotation 

Exterior

Case
• Titanium and synthetic sapphire crystal
• Three-dimensional, variable geometry bezel with raised engraved text
• Synthetic sapphire crystal over the entire periphery of the caseband
• Three-dimensional, variable geometry lugs, hand-polished with handfinished straight graining
• Transparent back with synthetic sapphire crystal
• Titanium security screws
• Raised engraving “Architecture 1” and “Greubel Forsey”
Case dimensions
• Caseband diameter: 47.05mm
• Bezel diameter: 45.50mm
• Height: 16.80mm
Water resistance of the case
• Water-resistant 5atm - 50 m - 164ft (standard NIHS 92-20/SN ISO 22810:2010)
Crown
• Titanium, polished and frosted, with GF logo
Dial side
• Three-dimensional, variable geometry hour-ring, indexes with Super-LumiNova
• Power-reserve indicator, circular-grained, engraved and lacquered
• Gold small second indicator, circular-grained, polished flank
• 24-seconds tourbillon rotation indicator
Hands
• Hours and minutes, curved profile, polished steel with Super-Luminova
• Small seconds, red triangle
• Power-reserve rack, circular-grained, polished bevelling, straight-grained flanks
• 24-seconds double-tipped, black anodised aluminium
Strap and clasp
• Non-animal material, rubber with text in relief, titanium folding clasp, engraved GF logo

Price  (without VAT), first pieces will be delivered this year.

Rubber strap – US 500,000 $ 💰


Limitation 
Limited Edition of 65 pieces.

-----------------------------
Press Release - 2022
-----------------------------
-------------------------------------------------
GREUBEL FORSEY SA
For further information: 
Communication Department 
press@greubelforsey.com – +41 79 194 2884
Eplatures-Grise -16 P.O. Box 670 
2301 La Chaux-de-Fonds - Switzerland
+41 32 925-4545
+41 32 925-4502
----------------------------------------------------------------------
www.facebook.com - Greubel Forsey
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
www.GreubelForsey.com