[kubelwagen]

Reading thru Dr. Knirim's book:

• In the opening part of the Waffen SS section, it was mentioned that -- though the watches were for SS use, they were designed for Luftwaffe operations. This maybe the reason for retaining the "Fl." designation (just my guess)
  
• The photo posted by Luke above, was captioned as "...65mm silver case...". Also, initial watches were silver-cased, but there were also 22 items that were of nickeled brass case
  
• The above is the only photo in the book that shows Fl. 23883 the engraving.
  
• The next page however has another photo showing the back of another sample -- same inscription, this one though has "Nr. 3". The caption for this mentions "...markings of the case inside and on the edge are those of the Luftwaffe: device no. 127-560A and spec Fl. 23883...". So apparently there's more than one that has the Fl. marking.
  
• One last case back photo simply shows "215653", and was captioned as a watch sent to the SS Artillery School (Glau).

BTW, I would go for the solid case back.

Cheers

EDIT: "Nr. 3"

 

[kubelwagen]

Agree with all-German text on the caseback, as well maintaining the matte finish on case. Also on having a special ETA designation -- makes it look unique and interesting.

If the historical tie-up with Peenemünde is vague -- why not along the lines of artillery observation, if this was the original intent? or the artillery school where some of the watches were delivered to...

One thing comes to mind: Was this also called a Sextant Watch? I recall reading some text designating it as such.

Stumbled on some more case pictures on the net. Nr 215682 -- said to have been sent to the artillery school in Glau. No FL engraving on the side, and it seems the W-SS inscription was erased from the dial. Man, this goes for 15-20KEuros :-x

From the site Auktionen Dr. H. Crott - Spezialauktionshaus für hochwertige Uhren:

 

[kubelwagen]

Re: Case/Back - [Very] Rough Model

You folks must be mind readers! I was thinking of suggesting the LE number on the side as well -- I'd vote for this. Can it be like "Nr. xx/xx" -- or would this be overdoing it? At any rate the LE on the side would be nice feature.

I hope LACo can get the Laser engraving properly done the first time.

-- was there problem before? I noticed in my 45mm Type A that the case back engraving looks more like its printed, too light / shallow an engraving for me. Maybe it can be improved for this project.

Not sure if this is part of the case discussion: would we have options on the crown? i.e. like the ones shown in Dr. Knirim's book.

Cheers

 

[kubelwagen]

Re: Case/Back - [Very] Rough Model

"...like a laser burn mark" -- yes I think that's what I have on the Frankfurt :-d

For the project I hope the engraving can be like the case back on Uwe's signature pic.

Cheers