Manufacturer: Longines Year: Circa 1958 Reference No: 6474 - 5 Movement No: 10'514'917 Case No: 61 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 30CH, 17 jewels, stamped LXW Bracelet/Strap: JB Champion for Longines stainless steel bracelet, max length 200mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel JB Champion for Longines deployant clasp Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed by maker, clasp further signed by bracelet maker Accessories: Accompanied by Longines Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch and its sale on 10 July 1958 to the company Longines-Wittnauer Watch Co., which was at that time their agent for the USA
Catalogue Essay
Calibre 30CH is unanimously considered one of the best chronograph movements of the mid twentieth century. Incorporating a flyback function, the movement allows for the chronograph to be instantaneously reset and restarted, enormously useful for practical applications.
Such an hallowed engine is housed - in this instance - in an equally striking case. Defined by a large 37.5mm diameter, reference 6474 appears to have a relatively simple case architecture, but closer examination reveals a remarkable level of detail. The bezel, for example, features an incredibly complex construction. Starting from the dial edge, it features a sloped edge, followed by a concave area and then a sharp step. The transition between each of these three parts of the bezel is marked by sharp edges, of course highly sensitive to polishing. In this instance, however, the edges are perfectly preserved and very sharp, testament to the superior condition of this case.
The dial is no less charming. Very airy, it is defined primarily by the luminous numerals - now aged to a charming and intense camel hue. The only other graphical indications are the Longines signature and the outer baton fifth-of-a-second combined with Arabic five minutes divisions. Such a sparse graphical layout anticipates trends that will become commonplace just a few years later in the 1960s and 1970s.
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.
