Manufacturer: Longines Year: circa 1938 Reference No: 4092 Movement No: 5'618'403 Case No: 5'618'403 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 17.26, 15 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle Dimensions: 43mm. Diameter Signed: Dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming the invoicing of the prensent watch to the company Zipper, which was Longines' agent for Poland on November 6th, 1938.
Catalogue Essay
The present watch is a remarkable, oversized Longines reference 4092. It measures an impressive 43mm. diameter which was absolutely massive for a watch manufactured in the late 30s. Its unusual size and sober design leads us to believe it to be a special order for the military. Research shows that this watch was sold by Zipper, Longines’ agent in Poland. Invoiced in 1938 this impressive watch that was most probably designed for pilots or to be used in night combat, displays a rare black grené dial with what should have been very legible luminous Arabic numerals. With the effect of time, these numerals have taken a very pleasing dark patina, which is very typical for the type of luminous painting used at that time, giving a very vintage aspect to the watch. The present watch is offered today in a very appealing and original condition. For enthusiasts of military type watches, this Longines is an extremely rare treasure that is certain to delight and excite.
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.