Manufacturer: Longines Year: 1970 Reference No: 7413 Movement No: 50'648'370 Case No: 11 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 30CH, 18 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Dimensions: 38mm diameter Accessories: Further accompanied by Longines Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present chronograph watch in 1970. Literature: For other examples of the reference 7413 see Longines Watches by John Goldberger, Damiani Editore, pp. 274 & 275.
Catalogue Essay
Collectors find many reasons to love a particular timepiece or watch brand, from unusual case designs to complicated movements or rarity, while others appreciate the workmanship and quality of a particular movement. Longines has a long history with sophisticated chronograph movements, in fact, much of their research and production during the early 20th century focused on chronographs, leading to calibres that today readily come to one’s mind when discussing these fine movements, such as the 13.33Z, 13ZN and the 30CH. The latter two featured a flyback chronograph allowing the chronograph to be reset while running, insuring precision timing since the pilot did not have to start-stop-reset the chronograph. The calibre 30CH was manufactured for approximately 20 years and ended in the 1970s when Longines was taken over by Ebauches S. A. who ended in-house movement production. Produced for a sportier watch-style, most 30CH chronographs are found in stainless steel examples with a variety of scales found on the dials.
The present example is extremely well preserved and a lovely example of 1970s technology. The 38mm diameter case remains unpolished with sharp bevels to the lugs and facets to the lug underside. The rare silvered dial with multi-coloured scales, a red telemeter and blue tachymeter, is clean and original and enhanced by the central sunburst finish. Chronograph wristwatches are a collectors’ favourites due to their complicated movements, and with their history in the manufacture of flyback chronographs and classic masculine design, this Longines is a superb addition to any collection.
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.