Longines - The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Longines
    Year: 1950
    Reference No: 5681
    Movement No: 7'402'750
    Case No: 23'646 further stamped 8 on caseback and on lug
    Model Name: Chronostop
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 12.68 Z, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 37mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Longines Extract from the Archives confirming sale of the present lot on 8 September 1950 to Nederlandsche Horlogehendel Amsterdam, Longines' agent to the Netherlands.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The name Longines is synonymous with some of the most exciting and technically stimulating chronographs of the 20th century. With the Chronostop models, like the present lot, the brand pushed the boundaries in terms of both its aesthetic design and technical ingenuity.

    The present lot features an original continuous chronograph function. Whereas most chronographs have two subsidiary dials, this reference Chronostop only features one for the continuous seconds hand. The larger centrally mounted hands are for the chronograph seconds and minute recording and are in continuous motion, a press of the pusher at 2 o’clock resets these hands and immediately restarts them.

    In addition to its excellent and original state of preservation, this single-button chronograph impresses with its glossy black dial. 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 era, one can still perfectly see on the underside of the lug a stamped ‘8’ to match the 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 is superb 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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Δ239

Ref. 5681
A very rare and attractive stainless steel single-button fly-back chronograph wristwatch with black glossy dial

1950
37mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 25,000 
€12,900-21,600
$15,500-25,800

Sold for CHF15,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017