*German, WWII, Kriegsmarine J29a 30-Second Torpedo Timer Stopwatch by Junghans, Navy Marked “M 5489”*
A rare and highly desirable Second World War Kriegsmarine torpedo timer stopwatch, the model J29a, manufactured by Junghans, and bearing clear German naval property markings to the case back.
Housed in a white metal (nickel) open-face case with hinged back and bezel, the watch measures approx. 4.9mm in diameter and presents exactly as one would expect from a service-issued naval timing instrument. The dial is a clean white enamel with bold black Arabic numerals numbered 1–30 around the outer track, with the 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 positions enlarged for rapid legibility. The central blued steel hand completes one full revolution every 30 seconds and is graduated to 1/10th second precision. A subsidiary dial records up to 15 elapsed minutes (marked 3, 6, 9, 12, 15). The dial is correctly signed Junghans.
The reverse of the case is stamped with the Kriegsmarine eagle and swastika acceptance mark above the letter “M” (Marine property designation) and numbered: M 5489 / 11 KL. The additional marking ‘II. Kl.’ (often appearing as ‘11 KL’ due to strike style) denotes Zweite Klasse — a Kriegsmarine internal classification grading applied at the time of naval acceptance.
Internally, the movement is clearly signed with the Junghans eight-pointed star logo (J in centre) over 29a, and further numbered 698U6. The calibre marking “29A” corresponds to the known Kriegsmarine torpedo timer specification. Additional inspection marks including “AP/FS” are visible on the mechanism.
The gilt-finished movement is of high quality, with jewelled balance and micrometric regulator, typical of Junghans military production. The serial number 698U6 is struck inside the case.
Historical Note:
The Kriegsmarine J29a 30-second stopwatch was designed for naval torpedo timing and related fire-control applications. Such stopwatches were used aboard U-boats, torpedo boats and larger surface vessels for calculating run-time, distance and impact timing during torpedo launches.
Unlike standard civilian stopwatches, these naval-issued examples are distinguished by: Marine property marking (“M”); Kriegsmarine eagle acceptance stamp; official inventory numbering and military-calibre designation (29a). Original, properly marked examples are considerably scarcer than standard Junghans civilian timers and are highly sought after by advanced Kriegsmarine and U-boat collectors.
Founded in 1861 by Erhard Junghans, Junghans became one of the largest watch manufacturers in the world by the early 20th century. During the Second World War, the firm produced precision timing instruments for the German armed forces, including aviation, artillery and naval timing devices. The J29a calibre is specifically associated with Kriegsmarine torpedo timing equipment.
*Condition*
A strong and authentic example. The enamel dial remains clean with only minor age speckling. Blued steel hands are correct and original. Case retains an even service patina with light handling wear consistent with age and use. Kriegsmarine acceptance stamp remains clearly visible and well defined. The movement appears clean and complete. (Untested. Running and accuracy not guaranteed without service; sold as a historical timepiece.) Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
A scarce, militarily marked and visually impressive example of a genuine Kriegsmarine torpedo timer by one of Germany’s premier horological manufacturers. Ideal for advanced WWII naval or U-boat collections.
