Manufacturer: Longines Year: 1943 Reference No: 5182 Movement No: 6'415'068 Case No: 22'181, further stamped 202 Model Name: 'Tre Tacche' Material: Stainless Steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 12.68Z Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle Dimensions: 35mm Accessories: Delivered with Longines Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1943 and its subsequent delivery to Italy.
Catalogue Essay
One of the most versatile watchmakers of the 20th century, Longines is a very special manufacturer in the eyes of watch collectors. Many of the pieces made during that time period are hugely popular still, because of the timeless quality of their design, and their incredible rarity.
This “Tre Tacche”, belonging to one of the most beloved families of vintage Longines, is just that. While the 35mm case may seem small, the proportions between the case and dial make this an extremely attractive and wearable vintage wristwatch. The beautiful sector dial in particular, is open, legible, and minimal in design, and the patina has developed nicely to give the watch that much more charisma.
Robust and water resistant, the case features a screw-down case back with three notches which give the model its nickname. The watch is fitted with a Longines manually wound mechanical movement, caliber 12.68Z, which exists with a stop-seconds function in some of the manufacturer’s other great vintage models.
The present watch was invoiced on 17 November 1943 to Ostersetzer, a retailer and Longines’s agent for Italy back at the time. Though it looks rather discreet, this watch has a lot to offer, and would certainly bring a lot of joy to its future owner.
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.