Collectors find many reasons to love a particular timepiece or watch brand, from unusual case designs to complicated movements or rarity, while others appreciate the workmanship and quality of a particular movement. Longines has a long history with sophisticated chronograph movements, in fact, much of their research and production during the early 20th century focused on chronographs, leading to calibres that today readily come to one’s mind when discussing these fine movements, such as the 13.33Z, 13ZN and the 30CH. The latter two featured a flyback chronograph allowing the chronograph to be reset while running, insuring precision timing since the pilot did not have to start-stop-reset the chronograph. The calibre 30CH was manufactured for approximately 20 years and ended in the 1970s when Longines was taken over by Ebauches S. A. who ended in-house movement production. Produced for a sportier watch-style, most 30CH chronographs are found in stainless steel examples with a variety of scales found on the dials.

The present example is extremely well preserved and a lovely example of 1970s technology. The 38mm diameter case remains unpolished with sharp bevels to the lugs and facets to the lug underside. The rare silvered dial with multi-coloured scales, a red telemeter and blue tachymeter, is clean and original and enhanced by the central sunburst finish. Chronograph wristwatches are a collectors’ favourites due to their complicated movements, and with their history in the manufacture of flyback chronographs and classic masculine design, this Longines is a superb addition to any collection.