





211Δ
Longines
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
- Estimate
- CHF25,000 - 50,000€21,400 - 42,900$26,500 - 52,900
CHF31,250
Lot Details
- 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.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
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.
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.
Longines
Swiss | 1832Auguste 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.
Browse MakerToday, 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.