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

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  • Manufacturer: Longines
    Year: 1959
    Reference No: 5824 7
    Movement No: 10’594’229
    Case No: 129
    Model Name: “Chronostop Japanese Navy”
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12.68Z, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel
    Dimensions: 47mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed. Caseback further signed “海上自衛隊 No. 海34-0029”
    Accessories: Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming the present watch was invoiced on 30 November 1959 to the company Hattori, which was their agent for Japan at the time.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Military issued watches, such as the present lot, are quite rare and highly sought after. As one of Switzerland’s largest manufacturers, Longines was an important supplier of wristwatches to militaries of multiple nations, including Japanese military branches. This watch, with its large 47mm case, houses the caliber 12.68Z mechanical movement and was issued to a Japanese Navy pilot, as evidenced by the engraved caseback. The design was perfect to enable effortless timing to perform their missions. The large diameter provided excellent readability, also in darkness thanks to the luminous hands and numerals, whereas the oversized crown and well-positioned chronograph button made it ever easy for the pilot to use the watch, even with gloves on while in the air.

    As documented in the Longines Extract from the Archives, the present chronograph wristwatch was delivered in 1959 to Hattori - better known as Seiko – the famous Japanese manufacture still owned by the Hattori family. The caseback inscription “海上自衛隊 No. 海34-0029” means Maritime Self-Defense Force.

    This example has been well preserved and remains in excellent condition. The case retains good proportions and the dial shows no signs of restoration. This single-button chronograph offers collectibility and rarity
    to any watch collection, and is of enduring value for the savvy collector.

  • 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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63

Ref. 5824 7
A very rare, important and oversized stainless steel single-button fly-back aviator’s chronograph wristwatch with black dial, large crown and revolving bezel.

1959
47mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed. Caseback further signed “海上自衛隊 No. 海34-0029”

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000 

Sold for CHF45,000

Contact Specialist
Livia Russo
+41 22 317 81 86

START-STOP-RESET: 88 Epic Stainless Steel Chronographs

Geneva Auction 14 May 2016