209
Longines
Ref. 3592
A7 "Avigation"
An extremely large, unusual and very well preserved stainless steel single button chronograph pilot's wristwatch with rotated black dial and hinged case back, retailed by Eberhard Milano
- Estimate
- CHF50,000 - 100,000€44,500 - 89,100$50,400 - 101,000
CHF250,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Longines
- Year
- 1936
- Reference No
- 3592
- Movement No
- 5'162'912
- Case No
- 5'162'912
- Model Name
- A7 "Avigation"
- Material
- Stainless steel
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 18.72, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Stainless steel pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 49mm Diameter
- Signed
- Case, movement and dial signed by maker, dial further signed by retailer
- Accessories
- Accompanied by an Orologeria Eberhard Milano presentation box and an Extract from the Archives confirming invoice of the present watch on July 11, 1936 to Italy.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
The beauty, state of preservation and rarity of the present oversized Longines A7 chronograph in stainless steel cannot be underlined enough.
Launched before World War II, these single pusher chronographs were initially produced for aviators with the dial set at an angle so the time could be read easily while piloting. A single button pusher incorporated into the crown allowed the pilot to easily start, stop and reset the chronograph to zero.
The Longines A-7 “Avigation” name comes from the US Army Air Corps “Type A” designations for many of their issued equipment watches and derives from the conjunction of “Aerial Navigation”. After the war and for a very short period of time, a small production in stainless steel was produced for the civilian market, as opposed to the chrome-plated military version.
The present stainless steel civilian A7 is presented in untouched and original condition. The case is unmolested and the gilt finished movement is superbly preserved. The black matt dial, printed with silver inscription proudly displays the prestigious, Milan-based retailer Eberhard’s signature making it the only known model A7 in steel with retailer signature.
The watch is further completed by its original box signed Orologeria Eberhard Milano.
The present watch is not only an ultra-rare example in stainless steel but its new old stock condition, original strap and buckle, retailer signed dial and original box is sure to delight any connoisseur of large and unusual timepieces.
Launched before World War II, these single pusher chronographs were initially produced for aviators with the dial set at an angle so the time could be read easily while piloting. A single button pusher incorporated into the crown allowed the pilot to easily start, stop and reset the chronograph to zero.
The Longines A-7 “Avigation” name comes from the US Army Air Corps “Type A” designations for many of their issued equipment watches and derives from the conjunction of “Aerial Navigation”. After the war and for a very short period of time, a small production in stainless steel was produced for the civilian market, as opposed to the chrome-plated military version.
The present stainless steel civilian A7 is presented in untouched and original condition. The case is unmolested and the gilt finished movement is superbly preserved. The black matt dial, printed with silver inscription proudly displays the prestigious, Milan-based retailer Eberhard’s signature making it the only known model A7 in steel with retailer signature.
The watch is further completed by its original box signed Orologeria Eberhard Milano.
The present watch is not only an ultra-rare example in stainless steel but its new old stock condition, original strap and buckle, retailer signed dial and original box is sure to delight any connoisseur of large and unusual timepieces.
Literature
Longines
Swiss | 1832Auguste 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.
Browse MakerToday, 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.