Longines - TOKI: Watch Auction Hong Kong Friday, November 22, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Longines
    Year: Circa 1934
    Reference No: 3592
    Movement No: 5’298’512
    Case No: 5’298’512, No. 27748
    Model Name: Type A7
    Material: Chrome plated
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 18.72, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 49mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Longines Extract from the Archives confirming the present timepiece and its subsequent invoice date on 14th September 1935, and a copy of Watch Museum VOGA Antique Collection.
    Literature: The present example is prominently illustrated in Watch Museum VOGA Antique Collection by Toshio Masui, Low BEAT and C’s Factory Co p. 49

  • Catalogue Essay

    The beauty, state of preservation and rarity of the present oversized 49mm diameter Longines Type A7 tilted single pusher chronograph cannot be underlined enough. Part of the Toshio Masui collection, the present military issued tool watch was designed for the US Army Air Corps (1926-1941). Engraved on the caseback with specification number 27748, these timing instruments were produced by Longines and Meylan. Chrome-plated metal cases were produced for military use as found on the present example, while for civilian use the cases were made in stainless steel. Operated by an oversized onion crown, the design allowed pilots to easily start stop and reset their watches even with gloves on.

    Only a lucky few watch collectors can boast similar military-issued timepieces in lovely original condition such as the present one – a watch certain to delight any connoisseur of rare timepieces. Revealed under its engraved hinged caseback is its calibre 18.72 developed in 1929. An unmolested specimen, this is the third publicly known A-7 at auction sure to delight any connoisseur of large and unusual timepieces. Further confirmed by Longines' handwritten registers, the serial number 5'298'512 identifies a wrist-chronograph in chromium-plated metal bearing the reference 3592. It was fitted with a Longines caliber 18.72 and was invoiced on 14 September 1935 to the company A. Wittnauer Co.

  • 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.

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Property of the Watch Museum VOGA collection

Σ50

Ref. 3592
A historically important and oversized asymmetrical chrome plated pilot’s single-button chronograph wristwatch with black dial and hinged caseback, made for the US Army, part of the Watch Museum VOGA collection in Japan

Circa 1934
49mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 240,000 
€14,000-28,100
$15,400-30,800

Sold for HK$139,700

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com

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

TOKI: Watch Auction

Hong Kong Auction 22 November