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UMF-Ruhla NVA Kampfschwimmer (Combat Swimmer) "Prototyp" 1942M-5

SKU

1942M-5

All watches of the brand UMF-Ruhla watches All watches of this brand

€379.00

, excl.

Delivery Time:

1-2 days

Caliber: Seiko NH35A with date

Watchcase: Stainless steel, brushed

Dial: orange dial

Diameter: 42 mm ( 45mm with crown )

Height: 13 mm

Weight including metal strap: 183 g

Lug to Lug width: 46 mm

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Details

UMF-RUHLA NVA Kampfschwimmer - Combat Swimmer “Prototype” (2026)

The secret project from Ruhla – then and now
Limited Edition | Made in Germany

With the UMF-RUHLA NVA Combat Swimmer “Prototype”, the traditional watch manufacturer from Thuringia presents an exceptional diver’s watch that combines historical authenticity, modern technology and uncompromising functionality.

This model pays tribute to a little-known chapter of German watchmaking history: a secret project from the 1980s, developed for extreme operational conditions – robust, highly legible and absolutely reliable.

Historical Background – a true secret project

As early as the 1980s, UMF Ruhla developed special watch concepts for military use. The legendary NVA combat swimmers required a watch that would function precisely under water, in poor visibility and under extreme stress.

The striking orange prototype dial design from 1985 served exactly this purpose: maximum legibility, clear structure and uncompromising functionality.

The modern reissue deliberately takes up this historical design – technically updated, yet visually as close to the original as possible.

Design & Legibility – uncompromising functionality

The bold orange dial is not just a visual statement, but a functional tool. Combined with fully applied Super-LumiNova, the watch offers outstanding legibility – by day, at night and under water.

Fully luminescent dial and hands
Bold indices for maximum orientation
Classic diver’s design with clear functionality

The ceramic rotating bezel with 120 clicks underlines the professional character of this watch.

Technology & Specifications – built for real use

Inside beats the proven Seiko NH35A automatic movement – a globally respected caliber, renowned for its robustness, accuracy and ease of service.

Seiko NH35A automatic movement with date
Solid stainless steel case
Diameter: 42 mm (plus crown guard)
Case height: 13 mm, central 14 mm (domed crystal)
Lug-to-lug: 45 mm
Water resistance: 200 m / 20 bar
Sapphire crystal
Ceramic bezel, 120 clicks
Screw-down crown
Stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp (22 mm)
Weight: approx. 180 g (at maximum bracelet length)

The screw-down stainless steel case back features an appropriate engraving and completes the professional overall appearance.

Made in Germany – from Ruhla, Thuringia

UMF Ruhla stands for over 150 years of German watchmaking tradition. This watch is manufactured in Germany and proudly bears the designation “Made in Germany”.

Limited Edition

This special model is released as a limited edition of only 500 pieces worldwide. Each watch is a piece of history – rare, distinctive and consistently functional.

We also include for free the black RIOS1931 Rubber strap "Kansas" aside!

Why buy from Poljot24.de?

Since 1992, Poljot24 has stood for expertise, honest advice and genuine passion for exceptional watches.

Personal final inspection of every watch in Munich
Fast and secure shipping from Germany
Decades of experience with mechanical watches
Cost-effective repair service with original spare parts
Personal contact instead of anonymous hotlines

Conclusion

The UMF-RUHLA NVA Combat Swimmer “Prototype” is not an ordinary diver’s watch. It is a statement, a historical instrument and an authentic collector’s piece – made for people who do not just wear watches, but truly understand them.

Discover here here all our watches made in Ruhla: Bauhaus, UMF-Ruhla & Zeppelin watches from Germany!

Background Info:

UMF-RUHLA, a legend lives on!

The origins of the UMF watch factory in Ruhla/Thuringia go back to 1862, according to tradition. Since 1880, the company has focused on the development and production of pocket watches. In 1897, 4,000 watches were already being produced per day. In 1949, the company recorded its highest production volume to date. In April 1985, the watch company developed a cabin clock for the first German jet airliner, and subsequently for other airliners.

The UMF "Ruhla electric Kal. 25" was the first electric wristwatch in the GDR in 1963 and was presented as an in-house development at the Leipzig Trade Fair. Watches with this caliber were built from 1963 to 1991.

On September 25, 1962, the 100th anniversary of the UMF watch and machine factory was celebrated. Deserving employees received a copy of the UMF special edition "100 years".

On March 1, 1967, the Ruhla, Glashütte and Weimar watch factories merged to form the VEB Uhrenkombinat Ruhla. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the state-owned company was broken up into several parts and privatized by the Treuhandgesellschaft. The VEB Uhrenwerk Ruhla initially became the company "Uhrenwerke Ruhla GmbH".

In 1990, around 90% of the old factory and production buildings were demolished. One of the well-known industrial monuments and administrative buildings from the great watchmaking era of 1929 was largely preserved: the six-story reinforced concrete skeleton structure with clinker cladding in the Bauhaus style was built in 1929 according to designs by the Schreiter & Schlag architectural firm.

Then, as now, it served as a production site for watches from Ruhla. On the ground floor is the Ruhla Clock Museum, which shows the contemporary history of the clock industry in Ruhla.

Definitely worth a visit: Thuringia and the Clock Museum in Ruhla:https://www.thueringen.info/ruhla-uhrenmuseum.html