59
Longines
Ref. 27748 (Military Number)
A7
An oversized, rare and historically important asymmetrical chrome plated pilot’s chronograph wristwatch with black dial, single button pusher and military markings, made for the US Army.
- Estimate
- CHF50,000 - 100,000
CHF72,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Longines
- Year
- 1935
- Reference No
- 27748 (Military Number)
- Movement No
- 5’288’375
- Case No
- 5’288’375
- Model Name
- A7
- Material
- Chrome plated
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 18.72, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Chrome plated buckle
- Dimensions
- 51mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming it was intended for the US Army, and was invoiced on 14/9/1935.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The US Army Air Corps (1926-1941), predecessor of the US Army Air Forces (1941-1947), and later on renamed US Air Force (1947 – present days) adopted Type designations for many of their issued equipment watches such as the “Type A” specification. The Longines A-7 “Avigation” was designed for aircraft navigation, “Aerial Navigation”, from which derives the conjunction “Avigation”.
Type A-7 watches are immediately recognizable thanks to their unusual and unique, off-center dials. The single button pusher incorporated into the crown allowed pilot to easily start, stop and reset the chronograph to zero. With massive cases measuring 51 mm in diameter, they are true trophies for collectors of military timepieces.
Type A-7 'Avigation' watches, in compliance to the military specification number 27748, were produced by Longines and Meylan and for a short period of time also sold to the civilian market. Chrome-plated metal cases were produced for military use as found on the present example, while for civilian use the cases were made in stainless steel.
Only a lucky few watch collectors can boast similar military-issued timepieces in lovely original condition such as the present one – a watch certain to delight any connoisseur of rare timepieces.
Type A-7 watches are immediately recognizable thanks to their unusual and unique, off-center dials. The single button pusher incorporated into the crown allowed pilot to easily start, stop and reset the chronograph to zero. With massive cases measuring 51 mm in diameter, they are true trophies for collectors of military timepieces.
Type A-7 'Avigation' watches, in compliance to the military specification number 27748, were produced by Longines and Meylan and for a short period of time also sold to the civilian market. Chrome-plated metal cases were produced for military use as found on the present example, while for civilian use the cases were made in stainless steel.
Only a lucky few watch collectors can boast similar military-issued timepieces in lovely original condition such as the present one – a watch certain to delight any connoisseur of rare timepieces.
Literature
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.