Manufacturer: Longines Year: 1963 Reference No: 6592-4 Movement No: 12’137’775 Model Name: “Tasti a Spillo” Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 30CH, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle Dimensions: 36.5mm diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: The present watch is accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming its sale on 5 September 1963 to Longines-Wittnauer, their agent in the United States at that time. Literature: This watch is illustrated in Longines Watches, John Goldberger, pg. 268-269.
Catalogue Essay
The Italian term ‘spillo’, or ‘pin’ in English, was bestowed on this rarely seen and highly desirable chronograph wristwatch reference 6592-4 with multi-scale dial. The nickname refers to the small size and shape of its pushers, and although foreign to some, the term is immediately recognizable in the horological community.
The present watch is fitted with Longines’ in-house caliber 30CH and reached its final destination via the North American agent, due to the “LXW” import stamp on the movement. We can hardly remember a time when this reference was offered at auction.
In absolutely excellent overall original condition, the untouched silvered dial features a black colored tachometer scale and blue colored telemeter scale along the outer circumference, further enhancing the beauty and desirability of this example. It should come as no surprise that this watch has been chosen by John Goldberger, legendary author and one of the world’s most renowned scholars, for his book Longines Watches.
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.