Manufacturer: Longines Year: Circa 1946 Reference No: 5646 Movement No: 7’334’606 Case No: Batch no 222 Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 13ZN, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle Dimensions: 38.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed, dial further signed Türler Accessories: Accompanied by Longines Extract from the Archives confirming the sale of the present watch on January 30, 1948 to Wirth - their Swiss agent at the time - the elected destination Zurich, Türler and the presence of the signature on the dial
Catalogue Essay
Chronographic caliber 13ZN is deemed by the collectors community as one of the most remarkable and beautiful chronograph calibers of all times. What is little known, however, is that there are special variations of this caliber. While in its standard form, it is a flyback chronograph with 30 minutes counter, at least two other variations are know: one features central minute hand, and a 12-hour counter. The other - exemplified by the present watch - intentionally removes the flyback function. One can only speculate about why this version came to be: possibly, it was a modification made with the intent of avoiding erroneously reset of the chronograph. In any case, this rare variant is an intriguing window into the marketing technique of the brand at the time.
Beyond its technical aspects, the present piece impresses not only with its overall quality, but also with its 38.5mm diameter, an extremely large size for the time, justified by the professional vocation of the timepiece. This very same professional ethos is also what commanded most of these watches to be cased in stainless steel. Yellow gold exceptions are rare, and pink gold ones such as the present piece are even scarcer. The presence of the Türler retailer signature - fully confirmed by the Archives - adds a final layer of appeal to this already enthralling timepiece.
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.