Minerva D.H. “Deutsche Heer” Military Watch – WWII Issued circa 1944
We are pleased to present this historically significant Minerva D.H. (Dienstuhr Heer) military-issued wristwatch, produced around 1944 for the German army (Deutsche Heer) during the final stages of World War II. A true piece of military horology, this timepiece captures the utilitarian design and wartime engineering of one of Switzerland’s most respected movement makers: Minerva.
Military Heritage & Wartime Design
During WWII, Minerva was one of the Swiss manufacturers contracted to supply rugged and reliable timepieces for the German armed forces. These watches were marked “D.H.” (Dienstuhr Heer), denoting official issue to the Heer, or German Army. In a period where materials like stainless steel were prioritized for direct military use, chrome-plated cases were commonly employed for wristwatches.
This particular example retains its original features, including a matte black dial with radium-painted Arabic numerals, and fixed 18mm lugs, typical of true military-issued watches.
Condition & Features
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Dial: Original matte black dial, untouched and with radium-applied Arabic numerals. A superb example of functional wartime legibility.
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Case: Chrome-plated brass case measuring 34mm wide by 42mm lug-to-lug, and 10mm thick. Back is stamped “Edelstahl” (German for stainless steel).
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Crystal: Clean and clear, with vintage-appropriate profile.
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Movement: Powered by the robust Minerva Cal. 12 (also known as Lavina Cal. 105)—a manual-winding movement built for durability in harsh conditions.
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Lugs: Fixed 18mm lugs, typical for military-issued field watches to prevent strap loss in combat.
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Strap: Supplied on a brand new hand-made leather strap, crafted in Belgium.
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Service: Recently serviced and keeping time well, accompanied by a 1-year mechanical warranty.
Technical Details
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Manufacturer: Minerva
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Model: D.H. (Dienstuhr Heer)
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Circa: 1944
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Case: Chrome-plated brass with stainless steel caseback (Edelstahl)
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Case Size: 34mm x 42mm
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Thickness: 10mm
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Lug Width: 18mm (fixed)
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Movement: Manual Wind – Minerva Cal. 12 / Lavina Cal. 105
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Dial: Original black with radium Arabic numerals
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Strap: Belgian hand-made leather strap (new)
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Warranty: 1 Year Mechanical Warranty
Why Collect This Watch?
This Minerva D.H. military timepiece is far more than a watch—it is a tangible artifact of wartime history. Its rugged simplicity, military provenance, and period-correct originality make it an invaluable addition to any collection of vintage military or WWII-era watches.
Rarely found in such honest condition, this example remains faithful to its origins—with original dial, military markings, and period movement intact. It offers both historical relevance and daily wearability, making it one of the most compelling value-for-money vintage military watches on the market.
Worldwide tracked shipping available. Please reach out for more information or to secure this remarkable time capsule from the 1940s.
