Longines - START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs Geneva Friday, May 13, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Longines
    Year: 1953
    Reference No: 5681
    Movement No: 8’189’780
    Case No: 10
    Model Name: “Chronostop”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12.68Z, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle
    Dimensions: 37.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming the present watch was invoiced on 7 December 1953 to the company Weil, which was Longines’ agent for Chile at that time.
    Literature: The present watch is prominently illustrated in the book Longines Watches, John Goldberger, pages 148-149

  • Catalogue Essay

    Longines chronographs are considered amongst the world’s best made, most attractive and, consequently, collectible watches. They are coveted due to their incredible level of sophistication in terms of design and their superbly made in-house movements.

    In addition to its excellent and very original state of preservation, this single-button chronograph impresses with its two-tone silvered matte dial and red center minute recorder hand. Whereas most chronographs have two subsidiary dials, this reference 5681 only features one. The result is greater legibility and better user friendliness. The largest variant of the model, its oversized “Brevet” (patented) case houses the Longines in-house fly-back caliber 12.68Z. So impressive is this particular watch, it is featured on two pages in John Goldberger’s book, “Longines Watches”.

    Similar to other Longines watches from this time period, the underside of the lug is further stamped ‘10’ to match the inside caseback number. Its main purpose was for military use, which makes them extremely hard to come by. The condition of this early 1950s single-button chronograph is extraordinary, and therefore enhances the attractiveness and exclusivity factor of this highly desirable timepiece.

  • Artist Biography

    Longines

    Swiss • 1832

    Auguste 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.

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Ref. 5681
A very rare and unusual stainless steel single-button fly-back chronograph wristwatch with two-tone silvered matte dial and red center minute recorder hand.

1953
37.5mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 20,000 

Sold for CHF23,750

Contact Specialist
Livia Russo
+41 22 317 81 86

START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs

Geneva Auction 14 May 2016