Longines - The Geneva Watch Auction: XII Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Longines
    Year: 1935
    Reference No: 3592
    Movement No: 5'298'572
    Case No: 5'298'572
    Model Name: A-7 Avigation
    Material: Chrome plated metal
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 18.72, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather strap
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 49mm Diameter
    Signed: Case and movement signed, caseback engraved with military markings
    Accessories: Accompanied by Longines Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch and its subsequent sale on September 14, 1935 to the company A. Wittnauer Co., at that time their agent for the USA.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched before World War II, these single pusher chronographs were initially produced for aviators with the dial set at an angle so the time could be read easily while piloting. A single button pusher incorporated into the crown allowed the pilot to easily start, stop and reset the chronograph to zero.

    The Longines A-7 “Avigation” name comes from the US Army Air Corps “Type A” designations for many of their issued equipment watches and derives from the conjunction of “Aerial Navigation”.

    The present specimen impresses not only with its immaculate dial, but also with the wealth of military engravings present on its case back. 8 lines of text detail the military destination of the watch and its purpose as an aviator’s timing device, the model name, the serial, order and specification numbers followed by a “Mfr’s Assy Dwg” (Mfr most likely standing for “manufacturer”, Assy and Dwg possibly for assembly drawing) and finally the manufacturer’s signature.

    A truly invaluable accessory for military pilots of the time, these timepieces were extensively used, often in combat situations. It is surprising then to find an example which re-unites the military pedigree of this model (after the war a small production made for the civilian market) and a level of quality hardly ever seen in a military timepiece.

  • 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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Ref. 3592
An impressive, very rare and extremely large chrome-plated single-button chronograph wristwatch with black offset dial made for the U.S. Army

1935
49mm Diameter
Case and movement signed, caseback engraved with military markings

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 50,000 
€27,800-46,300
$32,700-54,500

Sold for CHF37,800

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XII

Geneva Auction 6 - 7 November 2020