Swiss metal pilot’s board watch from the WWII Circa 1942

Extremely rare watch with luminous numerals
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An extremely rare pilot’s board watch,: from the Second World War, made by Buser Frères in Niederdorf, Switzerland, circa 1942. The case of this watch was crafted from metal and mounted on an aluminium disc for mounting in a plane and features a rotating bezel. The original black enamel dial features luminous Arabic hour numerals, a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock, luminous hands and is marked D.R.P.u.A.P.a and Swiss Made. The movement is fitted with a lever escapement.
The dial is signed.
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Diameter: 37,5 mm (case)
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Signed: Nidor
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D.R.P.u.A.P.a

The letters D.R.P.u.A.P.a. found after the Nidor brand name (and other vintage German products) are an abbreviation for the German phrase: “Deutsches Reichs-Patent und Ausländische Patente angemeldet”. In English, this translates to: “German Imperial Patent and Foreign Patents Applied For”.

This marking was commonly used on German made goods, such as watches, tools, and household items, from the late 19th century until the mid 20th century to indicate that the manufacturer had secured a patent within the German Empire and had also applied for protection in other countries.
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Buser Frères
The Swiss company Buser Frères & Co. (also known as Gebrüder Buser) was active for over a century, primarily from its founding in 1892 until its formal dissolution and merger in 1995.

Albert Buser founded the family watchmaking business in Niederdorf, Switzerland. In its early years, the company focused on producing ébauches (raw movements) for other watchmakers.

The company transitioned into a complete watch manufacturer, producing finished pocket watches, wristwatches, and dashboard clocks.

In 1920, the company officially registered the brand name Nidor (after its hometown, Niederdorf) for its anchor watches. Other sub brands like Frenca, Esta, and Neo were introduced or supplemented during this period.

To survive industry pressures, Buser Frères merged with three other Swiss brands – Phénix, Revue Thommen and Vulcain – to form the Manufactures d’Horlogerie Suisse Réunis SA (M.S.R.).
During the “Quartz Crisis,” Buser shifted its focus from watchmaking to industrial pressure instrument production. The Buser watch brand was officially retired in 1978.

After decades of operating under the M.S.R. umbrella, the company was officially dissolved and fully merged into M.S.R. on May 31, 1995.