Longines - The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN Geneva Saturday, May 12, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Longines
    Year: 1937
    Reference No: 6476/3811
    Movement No: 5'457'387
    Case No: 5'457'387
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13ZN, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Longines Extract from the Archives confirming that the present watch was invoiced on October 1937 to the company Weissblüth, Longines'agent in Romania at that time. Further accompanied by archival papers and the unique book depicting this watch made for the Phillips thematic auction START STOP RESET in May 2016.

  • Catalogue Essay

    With its development starting in the 1920s, the Longines in-house chronograph caliber 13ZN, is arguably one of the most beautiful chronograph movements ever developed. This legendary manual wind chronograph was in production until the beginning of the 1970s.
    Appointed the official supplier for the International Aeronautical Federation (IAF) in 1919, Longines was a pioneer in making a wide variety of watches for pilots and military personnel, most notably the Weems and Lindbergh models. In order to keep track of their military issued watches, they created serial codes for each pilot that was given a watch.

    Scholarship tells us that the present single-button chronograph was made for a Romanian military pilot, Sireteanu Alexandri from the M.A.M. (Ministry of Air and Marine) unit in 1937. The black dial features large luminous Arabic numerals and hands, while the rotating bezel is also fitted with a luminous triangular arrow for clear visibility during night flights. Interestingly, this chronograph is one of the earliest models ever made with a revolving bezel.

    The present watch is an excellent, original example of a large vintage Longines chronograph, further enhanced by its rarity and superb condition. Fitted with the legendary 13ZN, the case and movement number are perfectly matched. This watch is believed to be one of only so many made, and is sure to make a great addition to any collection of fine timepieces.

  • 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.

    View More Works

Δ211

Ref. 6476/3811
A highly attractive and rare stainless steel pilot's single button chronograph wristwatch with black dial, Arabic numerals and revolving bezel, made for Romanian military pilot Sireteanu Alexandri

1937
37.5mm Diameter
Dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 50,000 
€21,400-42,900
$26,500-52,900

Sold for CHF31,250

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 81
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN

Geneva Auction 12-13 May 2018