Longines - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Condition Report

  • Description

    View our Conditions of Sale.

  • Manufacturer: Longines
    Year: Circa 1940
    Reference No: 3777
    Movement No: 5’970’959
    Case No: 2’470, further stamped 15
    Model Name: "Tre-Tacche"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 10.68N, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 30mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Delivered with Longines Extract from the Archives dated 13th May 2020, confirming the present watch was sold on 23rd September 1940 to the company Terrasse, Longines’ agent for Sweden.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Founded by Auguste Agassiz in 1832, Longines is best known for their outstanding production of pilot’s and military chronograph wristwatches. However, dedicated vintage collectors would know that the Longines “Tre-Tacche” wristwatches from the 1930s to 1940s are of comparable desirability and collectability, and should also be appreciated for their refined proportions and elegant simplicity, which paved the way to the classic stainless-steel sports watch.

    The present timepiece is adorned with a beautiful two-tone sector dial with a grey centre, delightfully juxtaposing with the white outer minute ring and subsidiary dial. Minimalistic in design, the two-tone dial matches the stepped bezel, creating much depth visually. The blued hands with patina developed on the surface complement nicely to give the watch even more charisma.

    The 30mm diameter waterproof steel case features a screw-down case back with three notches which give the model its nickname, “Tre-Tacche”. The watch is further fitted with a robust in-house manual movement, caliber 10.68N, which was also found in some of the manufacturer’s other great vintage models, like the small Lindbergh Hour Angle.

    The present example was invoiced on 23 September 1940 to Terrasse, Longines’s agent for Sweden at the time. Preserved in attractive condition, and delivered with a Longines extract, this understated vintage Longines “Tre-Tacche” should not be missed by the discerning collector.

  • 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

893

Ref. 3777
A rare and attractive stainless steel with small seconds and two-tone sector dial

Circa 1940
30mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$25,000 - 50,000 
€3,000-6,000
$3,200-6,400

Place Advance Bid
Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024