2.1383 H-D-V (HEERES-DIENST-VORSCHRIFT) MILITARY TYPE AUTOMATIC, GERMANY 1970s
£480.00
A German automatic wristwatch from the 1970s, with a bold black dial and a distinctive military-style design. Large cream-coloured numerals and markers contrast clearly with the dark background, while the broad arrow-shaped hour hand makes the display easy to read at a glance.
The dial combines Arabic numerals at the even hours with baton markers between them. A slim minute track, central seconds hand and framed date window at three complete the practical layout. The dial is signed “H-D-V Automatic” and “25 Jewels Stossgesichert”, the latter meaning shock-protected.
The H-D-V name is understood as a reference to Heeres-Dienst-Vorschrift, meaning “Army Service Regulations”, a term used by the German Bundeswehr. Together with the black dial, large luminous markings and broad arrow-shaped hour hand, it gives the watch a clear military identity in its styling. These watches also have a connection with Germany’s hunting and outdoor market. In a published first-owner account, the owner of an H-D-V dating from around 1973 recalls that his watch was sold through Eduard Kettner, the hunting outfitter based in Cologne. He also identifies Erwin Kröner of Pforzheim as the manufacturer of H-D-V watches. This account provides useful background to the brand’s civilian sales history; no Bundeswehr issue provenance is documented though.
Condition
Good vintage condition, with visible signs of age. The chrome plating shows wear and local losses around the case edges, near the crown and on the lugs, exposing the brass-coloured metal beneath. The stainless steel caseback has surface scratches and wear, with its distinctive markings still readable.
The black dial remains clear, with aged cream-coloured luminous numerals and markers. The domed acrylic crystal presents the dial clearly. The movement has been serviced and comes with a 12-month movement warranty.
Specifications
Brand: H-D-V
Model: Military-style automatic
Period: 1970s
Origin: Germany
Movement: Durowe INT 7525 automatic, 25 jewels
Rotor marking: Duromat
Functions: Hours, minutes, central seconds and date
Date adjustment: Quickset through the first pulled-out crown position
Case: Chrome-plated
Caseback: Stainless steel, marked RP and Discu-safe
Crystal: Domed acrylic crystal
Dial: Black with an outer minute track
Indices: Luminous Arabic numerals and baton markers
Hands: Broad arrow-shaped hour hand, pointed minute hand and central seconds hand
The Durowe INT 7525 is a German automatic movement made in Pforzheim. This example has 25 jewels and a rotor signed “Duromat”. The quickset date allows the calendar to be adjusted through the first pulled-out position of the crown.
The caseback carries the diamond-shaped RP mark of case manufacturer Richard Pfisterer. The Discu-safe name identifies its press-fit caseback system. The accompanying D.B. PAT., Swiss-cross PAT. and FRZ. PAT. inscriptions refer to German, Swiss and French patents.
The “Waterproof 4 ATÜ” inscription records the case’s original pressure specification. It does not describe the watch’s present condition: this watch is supplied with no water resistance.
Important Notes
Military-style design; no documented military-issue provenance is supplied.
No water resistance. Keep the watch away from water and moisture.
No water resistance warranty is provided.
The brightness and duration of the aged luminous material are not guaranteed.
