WWI Glashütte Silver Pocket Watch – Lothar von Arnauld de la Perière

This early twentieth-century German hunter-case pocket watch features a portrait traditionally identified as Kapitänleutnant Lothar von Arnauld de la Perière, the leading U-Boot-Kommandant (submarine commander) of the Kaiserliche Marine (Imperial German Navy) during World War I.

The white enamel dial is arranged with bold black Roman numerals, an outer minute track, ornate hands, and a recessed subsidiary-seconds register at six o’clock. Its center carries a sepia portrait of Arnauld de la Perière in naval uniform and peaked cap, wearing his decorations. The portrait corresponds to known wartime likenesses of the commander following his receipt of the Pour le Mérite, Prussia’s highest military order for officers.

The substantial hinged case is constructed in silver and fitted with a gold-toned winding crown and bow. Marks inside the rear cover appear to include the German crescent and crown silver hallmark with an 0.800 fineness mark. The polished inner dust cover is engraved “Glashütte” and numbered 290239. Its outer rear cover is decorated with floral and foliate engraving surrounding a shield-shaped central cartouche bearing faint, worn initials or scratches. The front cover, rear cover, and inner dust cover remain present.

Lothar von Arnauld de la Perière entered the Imperial German Navy in 1903 and assumed command of U-35 in November 1915. Operating principally in the Mediterranean, he became the most successful submarine commander in naval history by tonnage, credited with sinking more than 190 vessels totaling over 450,000 gross register tons. Much of this record was achieved through surface actions using U-35’s deck gun rather than torpedoes. He received the Pour le Mérite in October 1916 and later commanded U-139 during the closing months of the war.

The watch is accompanied by a certificate from M. BG Antiques identifying the watch brand as Glashütte, the case material as silver, the movement as an anchor movement, and the dial as enamel. The certificate records its provenance as “from Mr. Boldur’s collection.” This documentation accompanies the watch as received; however, neither the certificate nor the watch bears evidence establishing that it was personally owned, carried, or presented to Arnauld de la Perière. It should therefore be understood as a commemorative portrait watch featuring the commander rather than as one of his documented personal effects. The precise date on which the portrait dial was produced or fitted has not been established.

The enamel dial presents well, with clear numerals and a readily recognizable portrait. The silver case exhibits expected age-related patina, scratches, small marks, edge wear, and rubbing to the engraved decoration. The crown and bow display finish wear and oxidation. The hinged covers remain functional, although no recent watchmaker’s service record is included. Mechanical operation and long-term timekeeping accuracy are not guaranteed, and professional servicing is recommended before regular use.

Combining German horology, an engraved silver case, a distinctive naval portrait dial, and one of the most significant personalities in the history of submarine warfare, this pocket watch offers strong appeal to collectors of Imperial German naval artifacts, World War I memorabilia, and historical timepieces.