Manufacturer: Longines Year: 1929 Movement No: 4'627'190 Case No: 4’323’305 Material: Silver Calibre: Manual, cal. 13.33Z, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Delivered with Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch and its subsequent sale on 30 May 1929 to A. Wittnauer Co., which was at that time Longines’ agent
Catalogue Essay
The present example is a wondrous vintage single-button chronograph wristwatch from the 1920s — an era of economic prosperity and cultural development which was later referred by historians as “The Roaring Twenties”. This period witnessed the large-scale development and use of automobiles, telephones, motion pictures, radio, and, of course, wristwatches. No longer deemed as an ornament reserved for ladies, men began to wear and appreciate wristwatches in that era.
Made in 1929, this Longines single-pusher chronograph wristwatch, finely cased in 925 silver, is a stunning artefact from the bygone days. The dial, finely oxidized with a layer of caramel-colored patina, together with the epoch-defining Art Deco fonts of the hour markers and nostalgically stylish hands, exudes a retro flair so authentic that cannot be reproduced. The hour markers are vaguely luminous under UV light, and the Radium reacts strongly under the Geiger counter, evidencing that the original luminous materials are preserved. With the watch, you no longer have to visit a museum to see a piece of history.
Auguste Agassiz founded Longines in 1832, and today is considered to be a pioneer in the evolution of the chronograph. During the 1930s, Longines' chronograph wristwatches were used as tools for wartime aviators and military personnel. As one of Switzerland's largest manufacturers, Longines was an important supplier of wristwatches to militaries of multiple nations.
Today, they are owned by the Swatch Group and produce wristwatches for both men and women. Their vintage wristwatches continue to grow in desirability amongst collectors. Some of the most sought-after models include such oversized chronographs as the Lindbergh Hour Angle designed by Charles Lindbergh, Chronostop, Tre Tacche, A-7, Tasti a Spillo and Doppia Lanchetta.