Original Item: Only One Available. Well this really is a treat! This is a very nice commemorative pocket watch, most likely purchased to commemorate graduation from NSDAP German SS Officer Candidate school. It is contained in the original case, bearing the ZentRa logo on the inside, and the name of retailer FRANZ MEYER Uhrmachermeister (Master Watchmaker), located in Rotenburg.
This pocket watch is offered in great fully functional condition. The fluted knob on the top winds the spring, and by pressing in the small button next to the stem, the time can be adjusted. It is silver plated, with areas of gold wash, and was definitely a very upmarket version when purchased.
The rear of the watch is marked under the fold out back with various markings and serial number 755923. There also is an engraving on the brass movement cover:
Remontoir
10 Rubis
This is in French, and translates to "Winder 10 Rubies", indicating a 10 Jewel Movement.
The back of the watch is marked:
ᛋᛋ - Junkerschule
(ᛋᛋ in Shield)
BAD TÖLZ
The inscription on the back refers to the SS Officer Candidate School in the Southern Bavarian city of Bad Tölz. In 1937, SS-Junkerschule Bad Tölz was established near the town, and operated until the end of World War II in 1945. The name was derived from the "Junker" aristocracy that once had dominated the Prussian military. Indeed, most graduates of the school became unit leaders in the Waffen SS. This watch was most likely given as a commemorative item.
The manufacturer of this watch is Markenuhren-Verein or Markenuhr GmbH ("Watch Brand Company"), which was founded in 1924 by Willi König and Willibald Felsing of the Zentralverband der Deutschen Uhrmacher ("Central Association of German Watchmaking"). The company soon began using the name Centra or Zentra (a shortened form of "central") on watches and founded the ZentRa brand on September 4, 1927 in Berlin. They continued making high quality timepieces until the 1980s, when the company ceased production. However it was later purchased and brought back, and ZentRa watches are available to this day.
How many times have we all seen these being used in WWII movies?
Movement is in a fully working condition.
There is no warranty for this watch and returns for a non-working watch will not be honored. Please note all watches are wound and tested then recorded on video before shipment. We are not in the watch repair business- ALL SALES ARE FINAL.
