281
Longines
Ref. 4375
An oversize and impressive stainless steel wristwatch with black luminous dial and fixed spring bars
- Estimate
- CHF10,000 - 20,000€9,800 - 19,600$10,600 - 21,200
CHF12,600
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Longines
- Year
- 1938
- Reference No
- 4375
- Movement No
- 5’677’947
- Case No
- 20118 13
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 17.26, jeweled
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather strap
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 44mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Longines Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch with black radium dial, reference 4375 and order no. 20118 and its subsequent delivery to Longines agent Zipper on December 31th, 1938.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
This Longines wristwatch perfectly exemplifies how timelessly enjoyable a timepiece can be.
Its case diameter of nearly 44mm - simply gargantuan for the standards of the time - made out of stainless steel is absolutely contemporary - today a timepiece e measure less than 40mm. The same holds absolutely true for the black luminous dial, a design which is unarguably among the most sought-after in contemporary pieces.
The large case and highly readable dial not only render this timepiece enormously attractive under an aesthetic point of view, but they also point at the intellectual interest of the piece. When one adds to this ensemble other details such as the onion crown and the soldered lugs, it becomes obvious that this was a professional timepiece, and most likely a military watch. In fact the diameter and the onion crown strongly hint at it being a pilot's watch, adding a layer of historical appeal the already breathtaking looks of the piece. Unfortunately the Longines Archive do not outright substantiate such an original destination - mentioning only that is was sold in Poland - however they confirm the presence of the black luminous dial. It is highly uncommon for a dial to be recorded in the Longines Archive, and such a detail adds in fact substance to the conjecture that the watch was a special piece constructed after the buyer's specification.
Its case diameter of nearly 44mm - simply gargantuan for the standards of the time - made out of stainless steel is absolutely contemporary - today a timepiece e measure less than 40mm. The same holds absolutely true for the black luminous dial, a design which is unarguably among the most sought-after in contemporary pieces.
The large case and highly readable dial not only render this timepiece enormously attractive under an aesthetic point of view, but they also point at the intellectual interest of the piece. When one adds to this ensemble other details such as the onion crown and the soldered lugs, it becomes obvious that this was a professional timepiece, and most likely a military watch. In fact the diameter and the onion crown strongly hint at it being a pilot's watch, adding a layer of historical appeal the already breathtaking looks of the piece. Unfortunately the Longines Archive do not outright substantiate such an original destination - mentioning only that is was sold in Poland - however they confirm the presence of the black luminous dial. It is highly uncommon for a dial to be recorded in the Longines Archive, and such a detail adds in fact substance to the conjecture that the watch was a special piece constructed after the buyer's specification.
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.