Union Soleure – Original 1930`s B-Uhr Pilot Watch Fliegeruhr

Union S.A. Soleure was founded in 1895 by Max Studer in Selzach, in the Canton of Solothurn — a watchmaking region on the banks of the Aare at the foot of the Jura mountains. Among its most significant production was a series of aviator wristwatches made in the 1930s, like the one offered here. The company did not outlast the quartz crisis and was ultimately absorbed by Longines in the 1980s, leaving its pre-war pilot watches as the pieces most sought after. The Union Soleure pilot’s watch belongs to this pre-war generation: a watch conceived for readability in the cockpit, and the design — large Arabic numerals, luminous hands, sub- seconds at 6 o’clock, and the characteristic aeroplane motif at 12 — that would define the genre for decades. The chrome-plated metal case measures 38.3 mm in diameter, and is in good condition with normal traces of use. The pressure-locked back fits nicely into the case. The black dial has developed an exceptional surface over the decades. What began as a glossy lacquered field has aged into a warm dark brown-black tone, criss-crossed by a fine network of hairline crazing — the characteristic spiderweb patina that forms on original lacquered dials of this period as the finish contracts and settles with time. The Plexiglass is perfect. The movement is a manually wound calibre by A. Schild (AS) of Grenchen — a robust and reliable lever escapement movement widely used in tool watches of the era. This watch is fitted with a vintage lizard strap. It has been serviced in-house and is in good working order.

It is delivered with our six-month guarantee and originality certificate. Worldwide shipping is available and inquiries are welcome.