Longines - WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century New York Thursday, October 26, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Longines
    Year: 1942
    Reference No: 4974
    Movement No: 6’342’610
    Case No: 22026 and 56
    Model Name: ‘Tre Tacche’
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13ZN, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: H. C. 55 stainless steel expandable bracelet
    Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter
    Accessories: Accompanied by Longines Extract from the Archives confirming sale of the present watch on 3 September, 1942.
    Literature: The present watch is prominently illustrated in Longines Watches by John Goldberger, pg. 184-185.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Longines is considered to be a pioneer in the chronograph’s evolution. First launched in 1936, their 13ZN chronograph is still considered today as one of the most beautiful and technically interesting chronograph movements ever produced. Designed as a flyback chronograph, this allowed the wearer to reset the chronograph without having to push the stop button, and then reset. For pilots, this was advantageous, allowing for precision timing of two sequential events, and aided in navigation as a critical feature in the early days of aviation. This “Tre Tacche” reference 4974 is an absolutely impressive example of a 13ZN-based chronograph. Presenting so many of the coveted attributes a collector would hope to find, it was prominently featured over two pages in John Goldberger’s reference book, “Longines Watches”. Its salmon colored dial is gorgeous, with a red telemeter scale, blue outer tachymeter scale, and two oversized registers. The robust, water resistant and antimagnetic case features a screw-down case back with three notches, nicknamed “tre tacche” for the three grooves carved into the caseback. Not only an outstanding collectible, but also a practical, elegant watch. Preserved in exceptional, original condition, the present Longines is a worthy addition to a collection of exceptional chronograph 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

14

Ref. 4974
A rare and very attractive stainless steel flyback chronograph wristwatch with multi-scale salmon dial, accompanied by Extract from the Archives.

1942
Case, dial and movement signed
37.5mm diameter

Estimate
$30,000 - 60,000 
CHF29,200-58,500
€25,600-51,100
HK$234,000-468,000

Sold for $60,000

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century

New York Auction 26 October 2017