No Reserve
198
Longines
Ref. 5848
An extremely uncommon and surprising pink gold rectangular wristwatch with fancy lugs
Estimate
CHF2,000–4,000•︎
€2,100–4,200
$2,400–4,900
Manufacturer
Longines
Year
1948
Movement No
7'409'524
Reference No
5848
Case No
386
Material
14k pink gold
Calibre
Manual, cal. 8LN, 17 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
Clasp/Buckle
Gilt Longines pin buckle
Dimensions
25.5mm Width, 28.5mm Length
Signed
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Longines Extract from the Archives confirming the present watch was invoiced on 5 April 1948 to the Longines Wittnauer Watch Co.
Full-Cataloguing
Good To Know:
- Time only, seconds at 6
- Extremely rare find, with possibly only one other example known
- Fantastically inventive design with sculpted fancy lugs
Reference 5848’s absurdly sculptural case architecture might be matched only by its scarcity. In fact it might appear this is only the third time the model appears at public auction, with the two previous appearances dating to 2024 and 1989. Additionally, while the catalogue listing from 1989 does not provide serial numbers, analysis of the picture prompts us to say the present lot might be that very same watch. If that is correct, it means that the total number of known examples for the reference is a meager 2.
Designed in the 1940s but with aesthetics that obviously anticipate the wave of architectural watches which would hit the market in the 1950s-1970s, the model is defined by its elaborate lugs. Building on the classical half-teardrop shape, Longines uses it as “capstone” of the bold teardrop-section elements which join the case. A noticeable step adds to the flair of the ensemble. The case was made by Geneva-based maker Baumgartner (identified by the number 2 inside a Key) - one of the best of the past century, who will famously later work on Patek Philippe Ellipse cases.
Interestingly, while one might say at first glance that the watch is square, it is in fact slightly rectangular with a case body width of 25.5mm and a length of 28.5mm - which including the lugs become the impressive-for-the-time figures of 32.5mm width and 36mm length.
- Time only, seconds at 6
- Extremely rare find, with possibly only one other example known
- Fantastically inventive design with sculpted fancy lugs
Reference 5848’s absurdly sculptural case architecture might be matched only by its scarcity. In fact it might appear this is only the third time the model appears at public auction, with the two previous appearances dating to 2024 and 1989. Additionally, while the catalogue listing from 1989 does not provide serial numbers, analysis of the picture prompts us to say the present lot might be that very same watch. If that is correct, it means that the total number of known examples for the reference is a meager 2.
Designed in the 1940s but with aesthetics that obviously anticipate the wave of architectural watches which would hit the market in the 1950s-1970s, the model is defined by its elaborate lugs. Building on the classical half-teardrop shape, Longines uses it as “capstone” of the bold teardrop-section elements which join the case. A noticeable step adds to the flair of the ensemble. The case was made by Geneva-based maker Baumgartner (identified by the number 2 inside a Key) - one of the best of the past century, who will famously later work on Patek Philippe Ellipse cases.
Interestingly, while one might say at first glance that the watch is square, it is in fact slightly rectangular with a case body width of 25.5mm and a length of 28.5mm - which including the lugs become the impressive-for-the-time figures of 32.5mm width and 36mm length.
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.