Founded by Auguste Agassiz in 1832, Longines is best known for their outstanding production of pilot’s and military chronograph wristwatches. However, dedicated vintage collectors would know that the Longines “Tre-Tacche” wristwatches from the 1930s to 1940s are of comparable desirability and collectability, and should also be appreciated for their refined proportions and elegant simplicity, which paved the way to the classic stainless-steel sports watch.
The present timepiece is adorned with a beautiful two-tone sector dial with a grey centre, delightfully juxtaposing with the white outer minute ring and subsidiary dial. Minimalistic in design, the two-tone dial matches the stepped bezel, creating much depth visually. The blued hands with patina developed on the surface complement nicely to give the watch even more charisma.
The 30mm diameter waterproof steel case features a screw-down case back with three notches which give the model its nickname, “Tre-Tacche”. The watch is further fitted with a robust in-house manual movement, caliber 10.68N, which was also found in some of the manufacturer’s other great vintage models, like the small Lindbergh Hour Angle.
The present example was invoiced on 23 September 1940 to Terrasse, Longines’s agent for Sweden at the time. Preserved in attractive condition, and delivered with a Longines extract, this understated vintage Longines “Tre-Tacche” should not be missed by the discerning collector.