German WWII Military Watch Markings: DH, D, DU and Other Service Codes

Among collectors of military watches, few markings generate more discussion than the simple letters stamped on the back of German-issued wristwatches from the Second World War. Codes such as DH, D, DU, KM and RLM are often used to identify military provenance, yet many of these designations remain misunderstood.

This guide explains the most commonly encountered German military watch markings and what they may tell us about a watch’s original purpose.

DH – The Most Common German Military Marking

The best-known German military watch designation is the DH marking.

Typically, a watch case back is stamped with a serial number placed between the letters D and H:

D123456H

Collectors generally interpret DH as Dienstuhr Heer (“Army Service Watch”), although some researchers have suggested alternative meanings such as Deutsches Heer. No definitive wartime document has yet been found that conclusively settles the question. Nevertheless, the term Dienstuhr Heer remains the most widely accepted interpretation among collectors and historians.

DH watches were supplied to German military forces during the Second World War and were manufactured by numerous Swiss firms including Record, Doxa, Helvetia, Revue, Moeris, Recta, Glycine, Alpina and others.

Typical characteristics include:

• Black dial with luminous numerals and hands
• Manual-winding movement
• Chrome-plated brass or stainless-steel case
• Fixed or semi-fixed military strap bars
• Military serial number stamped on the case back

Contrary to popular belief, not every DH watch was necessarily worn exclusively by Army personnel. Surviving examples and wartime evidence suggest that watches carrying DH markings could occasionally be encountered in other branches of German service.

D Marking

A less common marking is the single letter D followed by a serial number.

These watches are often associated with the Luftwaffe and are frequently described by collectors as Dienstuhr Luftwaffe watches. However, surviving documentation is limited, and caution is required when making definitive claims.

Because original wartime records are incomplete, collectors generally rely on known surviving examples, manufacturer archives and military procurement patterns.

As a result, a watch marked simply with a D serial number is usually considered military-issued, but its exact branch allocation may not always be provable.

DU Watches

DU-marked watches are significantly rarer than DH examples.

The most common interpretation is that DU stands for Dienstuhr, often associated with administrative, government or auxiliary services rather than front-line military units.

Unlike DH watches, DU examples are encountered far less frequently on the collectors’ market, and historical documentation remains limited.

Because of their rarity, many collectors consider authentic DU watches particularly desirable.

KM – Kriegsmarine

Some German military watches bear the initials KM, generally accepted as standing for Kriegsmarine (German Navy).

These watches often differ from standard DH examples.

Characteristics may include:

• White or light-coloured dials
• Specialised naval specifications
• Marine inventory markings

Certain submarine and naval service watches display unique dial configurations not seen on Army-issued pieces.

RLM Watches

Another important category consists of watches associated with the Reich Air Ministry (Reichsluftfahrtministerium or RLM).

These watches were produced for aviation use and frequently feature larger cases, highly legible dials and specialised navigation functions.

Many military aviation watches produced by manufacturers such as Laco, Stowa, Wempe, A. Lange & Söhne and IWC fall within this broader category.

Authentication Challenges

Military markings alone do not guarantee authenticity.

Because DH watches have become increasingly collectible, altered civilian watches occasionally appear on the market with newly added military markings.

Collectors should always examine:

• Correct case construction
• Period-correct movements
• Matching wear patterns
• Original dial configuration
• Proper military serial engraving style
• Known manufacturer examples

An authentic military watch is evaluated as a complete historical object, not merely by the presence of a military stamp.

Final Thoughts

German military wristwatches remain one of the most fascinating collecting fields within vintage horology. While DH watches are by far the most frequently encountered examples, markings such as D, DU, KM and RLM reveal the diversity of watches supplied to different branches of German service during the Second World War.

Understanding these markings is an important first step in identifying original military watches and avoiding the many altered examples that continue to circulate in today’s collector market.