This watch was presented at Baselworld 2015, and it is based on the military aviation observation watches (Beobachter = observer) made by Mühle-Glashütte and other brands from the 1930s. The Terrasport I Beobachter is the second type of observation watch by the brand (the other is the even simpler watch such as the Terrasport I shown in this post on the best pilot’s watches), with separate scale for the hour hand closer to the centre of the dial, and a minute scale at the dial edge. In this pattern, it was easier for a navigator to take accurate time readings, used for dead reckoning navigation and for calculating position using a bubble octant.
Military observation watches were usually very large at 55 mm; this piece is 44 mm in diameter and so still provides an impression of large size. It is fitted with a buffalo leather strap with contrasting stitching. Inside the stainless steel case, the Sellita SW 200-1 automatic movement has a personalized Mühle rotor, woodpecker neck regulation and machined surface finishes, visible through the transparent caseback. The movement has the stop-second function and a 38-hour power reserve.
Price and availability:
The Mühle-Glashütte Terrasport I Beobachter costs £1,180, with leather strap or stainless steel bracelet; it will be available from mid-June 2015. Retailers can be found on the website http://www.muehle-glashuette.de/
