Longines - Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR Geneva Friday, November 11, 2016 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Longines
    Year: 1949
    Reference No: 5681
    Movement No: 7'633'912
    Case No: 2
    Model Name: Chronostop
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12.68 Z, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 37.5mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming sale of the present watch on July 15, 1949

  • Catalogue Essay

    Longines pushed the boundaries with the Chronostop in terms of both its aesthetic design and technical ingenuity. Longines chronographs are considered amongst the world’s best crafted, most attractive and, consequently, collectible watches. In addition to its excellent and original state of preservation, this single-button chronograph impresses with its unrestored glossy black dial and red center-minute recorder hand. Whereas most chronographs have two subsidiary dials, this reference Chronostop 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. Similar to other Longines watches from this time era, one can still partially see on the underside of the lug a stamped ‘2’ to match the inside caseback number. The watch was developed for military use, making them very difficult to find in a good state of preservation. The condition of this single-button chronograph from 1949 is extraordinary, and combined with its technical excellence, attractiveness and exclusivity, it is a highly desirable timepiece for the connoisseur.

  • 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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177

Ref. 5681
A very rare and unusual stainless steel single-button fly-back chronograph wristwatch with black glossy dial and red central elapsed minute counter

1949
37.5mm. Diameter
Case, dial, and movement signed

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 20,000 
€9,200-18,400
$10,300-20,600

Sold for CHF12,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89

Geneva Watch Auction: FOUR

Geneva Auctions 12 – 13 November 2016