145
Longines
Ref. 7042-1
A highly rare and attractive stainless steel diver's wristwatch with center seconds, black dial and rotating inner bezel
- Estimate
- CHF8,000 - 12,000€6,900 - 10,300$8,500 - 12,700
CHF11,250
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Longines
- Year
- 1958
- Reference No
- 7042-1
- Movement No
- 10'343'192
- Case No
- 90
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 19AS, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Tropic
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel Longines pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 42mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Longines Certificate of Origin and Authenticity confirming sale of the present watch on February 13, 1958 to Longines-Wittnauer, their agent at the time in the USA.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Undoubtedly the creator of some of the most beautiful and coveted vintage chronographs, Longines also has a lesser known history in dive watches of which the present 7042 is a smashing example.
In the 1950s certain brands such as Rolex or Blancpain were making dive watches catering to professional divers (whether civilian or military) whereas others such as Jaeger-LeCoultre and Longines were targeting a clientele leaning more towards leisure water sports, who desired the technical prowess of a dive watch allied to an appealing design.
The present reference 7042 from 1958 is one of Longines' earliest dive watches with inner rotating bezel. Made for only a few short years, the present watch paved the path to the success Longines encountered in dive watches.
To guarantee water resistance, Longines contacted case manufacturer Ervin Piquerez who had patented a so called “super compressor” case, whereby the deeper the watch went, the tighter the back sealed against the gasket.
Instead of an outer bezel to time dives, Longines opted for a very elegant rotating inner bezel that can be controlled via the crown located at 2 o’clock.
Considering its absolutely gorgeous condition, the present reference 7042 has most probably not spent much time fighting the adverse underwater elements, but rather remained safely strapped on a tanned wrist on the wooden deck of a Riva.
There are times when a collector should not hesitate when opportunity presents itself, and finding one of Longines’ rarest vintage timepieces in such appealing condition is a chance that will not present itself often.
In the 1950s certain brands such as Rolex or Blancpain were making dive watches catering to professional divers (whether civilian or military) whereas others such as Jaeger-LeCoultre and Longines were targeting a clientele leaning more towards leisure water sports, who desired the technical prowess of a dive watch allied to an appealing design.
The present reference 7042 from 1958 is one of Longines' earliest dive watches with inner rotating bezel. Made for only a few short years, the present watch paved the path to the success Longines encountered in dive watches.
To guarantee water resistance, Longines contacted case manufacturer Ervin Piquerez who had patented a so called “super compressor” case, whereby the deeper the watch went, the tighter the back sealed against the gasket.
Instead of an outer bezel to time dives, Longines opted for a very elegant rotating inner bezel that can be controlled via the crown located at 2 o’clock.
Considering its absolutely gorgeous condition, the present reference 7042 has most probably not spent much time fighting the adverse underwater elements, but rather remained safely strapped on a tanned wrist on the wooden deck of a Riva.
There are times when a collector should not hesitate when opportunity presents itself, and finding one of Longines’ rarest vintage timepieces in such appealing condition is a chance that will not present itself often.
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.