Heuer Bundeswehr Flyback Chronograph

Pilot's chronographs designed for military use hold an endless fascination amongst collectors, not least of all for their robust good looks — and flying high among the best and brightest is the Heuer Bundeswehr Ref. 1150 SG.

The Heuer Bundeswehr, known affectionately as the “Bund,” was designed for the sole purpose of use in military aviation. Issued to pilots in the air forces of several nations — including the Italian Air Force, under the brand Leonidas, which Heuer acquired in the '60s — it's best known for its use by the Luftwaffe of West Germany. From the 1960s to the 1970s, the Bund saw a range of dial configurations.

This particular example, a Reference 1550 SG, remains in truly excellent condition. Its corrosion-resistant case houses a very clean matte black tritium dial with a matching handset and Valjoux's Calibre 22 hand-cranking flyback chronograph movement. Furthermore, the Bund offers a second timing mechanism with the fully-graduated rotating bezel. Though it lacks the characteristic "3H" tritium signature and military issue markings on the caseback — indicating that it was either not issued, or was repurposed for civilian sale — its excellent condition makes it perfect for collectors of mil-spec gear.

Function. First. That's our mantra — and it's certainly this watch's, too!