Longines - START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs Geneva Friday, May 13, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Longines
    Year: 1947
    Reference No: 5699, batch number 23086
    Movement No: 6’940’740
    Case No: 106
    Model Name: “Doppia Lancetta”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13ZN, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Longines buckle
    Dimensions: 39.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives, confirming the present watch was invoiced on March 24, 1947 to the company Longines-Wittnauer, Longines’ US agent at that time.
    Literature: For other examples of reference 5699 see Longines Watches, John Goldberger, pg. 212-216

  • Catalogue Essay

    Longines pushed the boundaries with reference 5699 in terms of both its aesthetic design and technical ingenuity. The watch was nicknamed in Italian “Doppia Lancetta,” which in English means “double hand,” but it is not to be confused with a split-seconds chronograph.

    The present watch is fitted with the legendary in-house caliber 13ZN. In addition to the hour and minute hands, reference 5699 features two additional, centrally mounted hands on the dial, both controlling different functions of the watch. The dial layout suppresses the minute register and instead replaces it with a centrally mounted red hand, which counts the minutes that have elapsed. A noteworthy element to mention is the ‘LXW’ stamp found on the movement, which is a Longines-Wittnauer import code indicating the watch was intended for the American market.

    Reference 5699 further stands out with its considerable case size, measuring a dramatic 39.5mm in diameter. This case shares the same characteristic found on many early Longines chronograph wristwatches, where the underside of the lug is stamped to match the caseback number. Offered in excellent, original condition, this Longines designed in the 1940s is sure to impress scholars, collectors, and enthusiasts.

  • Artist Biography

    Longines

    Swiss • 1832

    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.

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9

Ref. 5699, batch number 23086
A very rare, highly attractive, and large stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with charismatic silver-colored dial, step bezel, and red-colored central elapsed minute counter.

1947
39.5mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 80,000 

Sold for CHF87,500

Contact Specialist
Livia Russo
+41 22 317 81 86

START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs

Geneva Auction 14 May 2016