Manufacturer: Longines Year: 1947 Reference No: 5699, batch number 23086 Movement No: 6'989'686 Case No: 122 Model Name: "Doppia Lancetta" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 13ZN, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Alligator Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle Dimensions: 39.5mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by a Certificate of Origin and Authenticity confirming the sale of the present watch on September 20th, 1948 in the USA. Literature: Examples of reference 5699 are illustrated in Longines Watches by John Goldberger pages 212-216.
Catalogue Essay
In 1936, Longines developed and patented what would become their most famous caliber: Caliber 13ZN. This chronograph movement was the most elaborate and was available in various versions, featuring a 30 or 60 minute counter and one or two pushers. The present reference 5699, bearing this prestigious caliber, displays a very specific feature. The watch features two central chronograph hands and is referred to amongst collector as the “Doppia Lancetta”, meaning two hands in English. These two centrally mounted hands not to be mistaken for a split seconds, serve to record the seconds and the minutes hence leading to the suppression of the minutes register. Produced for the American market, the movement of this watch is stamped with the Longines-Wittnauer import code: LXW. A noteworthy element to mention Longines’ specific numbering system where the case number was repeated on the upper left lugs, in this case 122. Reference 5699 further surprises by its considerable case size, measuring a dramatic 39.5mm in diameter. Rarely seen on the market, this “Doppia Lancetta” impresses not only by its size and presence but also represents tremendous value for the wise collector of vintage wristwatches.
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.
Ref. 5699, batch number 23086 A very rare and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with stepped bezel and red-colored center elapsed minute counter
1947 39.5mm. Diameter Case, dial and movement signed