Longines - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Longines
    Year: Circa 1963
    Reference No: 6592-4
    Movement No: 12'137'764
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 30CH, 17 jewels, stamped "LXW"
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle
    Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Longines Certificate of Origin and Authenticity confirming production of the present watch with tachometer and telemeter scales, chronograph function and its subsequent sale on October 17, 1963 to Longines-Wittnauer, at the time Longines' USA agent.
    Literature: A similar watch is prominently described and illustrated in Longines Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 268 and 269.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Chronograph timepieces are a cornerstone of Longines’s vintage production. In fact, the company developed at least two of the most appreciated chronograph calibers ever devised: cal. 13ZN, and cal. 30CH, an example of which can be found in the present piece. Both are considered mechanical masterpieces, and are now extremely sought-after examples of mid-20th century watchmaking.

    The technical refinement of the movement is in this instance fully matched by the aesthetic impact of the watch. The 36.5 mm case - an unusually large size for the time - grants the piece a highly modern appeal. Furthermore, the large bezel and small pushers work together to amplify the perceived size of the wristwatch.

    According to Longines’s archives, the present example of reference 6592-4 was sold to the company’s USA agent in 1963. The presence of the “LXW” stamp on the movement confirms the watch’s American destiny.

    Offered in extremely attractive condition, the watch features a multi-scale dial with telemeter and tachymeter scales in addition to a fifth of a second baton combined with 5-minute Arabic divisions. The presence of the Certificate of Authenticity indicates that Longines examined and vetted the piece, adding further certainty to the originality of the watch. Highlighting the appeal and collectability of the piece, a similar example with a serial number 9 digits later than the present watch is described and illustrated in one of the most respected publications about Longines production and history, Longines Watches by John Goldberger.

  • 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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51

Ref. 6592-4
A fine and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with luminous multi-scale dial

Circa 1963
36.5mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 15,000 
€8,800-13,200
$10,200-15,400

Sold for CHF23,750

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT

Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018