A rare World War Two watch made for the German Air Force is due to be auctioned in Oxfordshire this weekend.
The auction is expected to attract a vast number of bidders wanting to secure the circa 1940 German Luftwaffe B-Uhr, manufactured by A Lange and Sohne, due to its historical significance.
The seller from Banbury brought the timepiece for valuation at Hanson Holloway’s saleroom after seeing a similar item on TV's Antiques Roadshow.
The watch was in the possession of his father – a decorated officer in the Belgian army during World War Two.
He believes the watch came into his father's possession when he was a German prisoner of war.
He had spent time in a German prisoner of war camp before escaping to England where he took part in the D-Day landings.
The firm's valuer, Paul Fox, said: "Our client brought the watch in for valuation and we were amazed.
"It’s such an important military find. It’s due to go under the hammer on Saturday guided at £2,000-£3,000.
"However, due to its scarcity, it could fly higher."
He added: "When World War Two loomed, the B-Uhr Luftwaffe Observers watch was created to aid the German Air Force.
"Pilots required highly accurate watches for navigational purposes. They had to be robust, precise, and easy to read."
The watch will be offered in Hanson Holloway’s silver, jewellery, watches, fine art and antiques auction on February 3.
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