Manufacturer: Longines Year: 1946 Reference No: 5699 Movement No: 6’964’484 Case No: 54, batch no.: 23'086 Model Name: "Doppia Lancetta" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal 13ZN, 17 jewels, stamped "LXW" Bracelet/Strap: Leather strap Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle Dimensions: 39.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Longines Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch and its subsequent sale on August 12, 1946 to the company Longines-Wittnauer, Longines' USA distributor at the time
Catalogue Essay
In 1936, Longines developed and patented what would become their most famous movement: Caliber 13ZN. This chronograph movement was the most elaborate of its time and was available in various versions featuring a 30 or 60 minute counter and one or two pushers.
The present reference 5699, bearing this prestigious caliber, displays a very specific and highly sought-after element. The watch features two central chronograph hands and is referred to amongst collector as the “Doppia Lancetta”, meaning “two hands” in English. These two centrally mounted hands are not to be mistaken for a split seconds feature; they rather serve to record the seconds and the minutes hence leading to the suppression of the minutes register.
Produced for the American market, the movement of this watch is stamped with the Longines-Wittnauer import code: LXW. A noteworthy element to mention is Longines’ specific numbering system where the case number was repeated on the upper left lug, in this case 54.
Reference 5699 further surprises by its considerable case size, measuring a dramatic 39.5mm in diameter.
Rarely seen on the market, this “Doppia Lancetta” impresses not only by its size and presence but also represents tremendous value for the wise collector of vintage wristwatches.
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.