Hi
@obstando, point taken about people not buying those watches out of ideology but simply out of their interest in horology.
As far as it being “under the radar”, if may well be that non specialized collectors aren’t aware of the model— but if so frankly believe the reason is because of the provenance, as it is well known to military watch collectors.
It so happens I followed those quite closely for the past few years and indeed they have appreciated as all Longines and issued watches of the era— however I believe their provenance has held them back compared to other watches.
6 years ago their price was about the same as the price of a rare steel Omega 6B/159– one could find either for about 400/500 euros.
By 2017-2018, Longines DH watches could be found for about 700 euros - while the price of the steel 6B/159 had already gone past 1200 euros.
At the same time, civilian Longines watches, with six notch case backs, a black radium gilt dial and no step case were being traded for 1200 euros. They may have been a tad larger at close to 33mm but they didn’t have a stepped case.
So their price in the past certainly has not progressed the way other watches of similar size and quality have.
The debates I’ve seen about German watches on the Military Watch Ressource forum have led me to believe provenance was the reason for that price differential.
I’ve seen at least one dealer recently (ie in the past 3 months) offer this exact model without disclosing it is a German WWII military watch and I have no doubt the reason is because the dealer in question perceived it as a hindrance. Have you ever seen a British or American issued watch being sold without it being trumpeted that it’s a military watch?
Of course you may find it proves your point the watch has been under-rated - and as you say markets can change.
However I can only speak about what I observed.
The rest is speculation.
I accept however that you are stating your honest belief.
