Hi all, nice flieger Olma I bought in the UK with a lot of militairy features. Venus 175 inside. Does someone have a clue about the engraving on the back?
Nice find! I love Olma chronographs, especially those with the snail dial. They have a lot of character and lovely design details. I'm wearing mine today
With respect, I do not see any military features there. Military watches are issued to a particular branch of the military and that is visible on its markings and documented in contracts. It’s got a lovely 1930s gilt dial though.
That’s fine just some thoughts from my side, not looking for surplus value through claims of military provenance or similar. I don’t care about that. Just a nice piece and I’m always interested in history. In my view, the big crown, fixed springbars, decorated Venus 175 and telemeter gilt dial all point to ‘flieger’ territory. As does the ‘matt’ chrome finish on the case. Those features are, in my view, similar to those of this Lancet luftwaffe chrono: Again, not claiming my Olma is military, but I do see what I would call ‘military features’ in the design of the watch.
I recognise the engraving. That's how they engraved monograms on things like watch backs. Might I venture to suggest Charles Mackenzie? Or possibly Cevin Mwanaga?
It doesn't look like a factory engraving, more likely done by a jeweler at the request of the original owner or someone who gifted the watch to him. The M is walking. the longer leg bent slightly at the "knee" and thrust forwards. Possibly an inside joke.