Longines - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIX featuring the Guido Mondani Collection Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2024 | Phillips

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  • Condition Report

  • Manufacturer: Longines
    Year: 1939
    Movement No: 5'724'997
    Case No: 5'724'997
    Material: 14K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 15.26, jeweled
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle
    Dimensions: 38mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Longines Extract from the Archives confirming the present watch was invoiced on February 27, 1939 to the company Zipper, which was the manufacture's agent at the time for Poland.

  • Catalogue Essay

    An incredibly attractive and well-preserved example of mid-20th century design, this timepiece possesses a number of traits which will delight the collector. The least apparent of them is the 14K gold case, an uncommon alloy used by watchmakers for specific markets in order to save on import taxes.

    Connoisseurs will have already noticed that this is an oversize timepiece - another highly appealing and uncommon trait - sporting a nearly 38mm (37.8, to be precise) case well beyond the realm of what, at the time, was considered proper for an evening timepiece. This might indicate a more professional intended usage, a destination potentially supported by the 14K case and by its dial.

    Even the least watch-educated layman will immediately recognise this dial as an incredibly charming and superbly well-preserved example. The galvanic construction presents a virtually unmarred glossy finish, not presenting any of the signs of aging so often seen on similar dials (wrinkling, bubbling and such), instead retaining a superb mirror-finish. The same has to be said for the graphics which do not feature even a hint of oxidation. The azurage in the subsidiary dial is equally breathtakingly well-preserved.

    Without a doubt this timepiece will satisfy the long-time connoisseur looking for a “best-in-class” example of galvanic dial, as well as the more “hand-on” collector looking for a superbly attractive vintage everyday watch.

  • 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.

    View More Works

94

Lot offered with No Reserve

An exquisite, large and enormously charming 14K yellow gold wristwatch with black glossy dial

1939
38mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF10,000 - 20,000 
€10,200-20,400
$10,900-21,900

Place Advance Bid
Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIX featuring the Guido Mondani Collection

Geneva Auction 11 - 12 May 2024