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118

Longines

Ref. 5483

A fine and extremely attractive stainless steel wristwatch with center seconds and luminous numerals

Estimate
CHF8,000 - 12,000
€7,000 - 10,600
$8,200 - 12,300
CHF6,250
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Longines
Year
1948
Reference No
5483
Movement No
7'345'478
Case No
23483 24, stamped "24" under the lug
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Manual, cal. 12.68N
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel pin buckle
Dimensions
35.5mm Diameter
Signed
Case, dial and movement signed
Accessories
With Longines Extract from the Archives confirming sale of the present watch on August 20, 1948 to the company Terrasse, Longines' agent in Sweden at the time.
Catalogue Essay
Preserved in extremely good condition, this wristwatch epitomizes the style typical of the 1940s: the dial is very clean and stern, the only graphics present being the fifth of a second baton combined with five minutes Arabic divisions (a style which will be abandoned at the start of the 1950s, in favor of a less busy scale design) and the signature. The numerals are large, to optimize legibility, fully luminous and furthermore executed with a very unusual angular font.

The radium burn at 2 o’ clock is an unmistakable indication that the watch was stored and remained unused for a long time, thus explaining the superior condition it is offered in. The present specimen appears to be a very rare and attractive version: normally these watches are known with a 33mm diameter, while the present one features the much more scarce - and aesthetically impressive - 35.5mm case. Interestingly, the batch number "24" present on the caseback is also stamped underneath the top left lug. The practice of repeating the batch number or part of the case number (usually the last 3 digits) on the case body was sometimes adopted by casemakers in order to univocally link case and caseback.

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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