Longines - WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century New York Thursday, October 26, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Longines
    Year: 1948
    Reference No: 4356
    Movement No: 7’298’460
    Case No: 23’431 and 28
    Model Name: Weems Second Setting Watch
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 37.9, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel
    Dimensions: 47mm diameter
    Accessories: Accompanied by Longines guarantee, product literature, fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Furthermore accompanied by Longines Extract from the Archives confirming sale of the present watch in 1948.
    Literature: A similar example is illustrated in Longines Watches by John Goldberger, pages 80 and 81.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In the early 1930s, the famous American aviator, Charles Lindbergh, designed the Longines Hour Angle using the Weems system that allowed pilots to quickly determine longitude. The Weems Second Setting Watch, with a rotating center dial allowing the seconds hand to be synchronized with a reference clock, improved on the Hour Angle. The present Weems Second Setting watch is possibly the finest example to have ever been offered at auction. It was retailed on June 28 1948 to Longines-Wittnauer, the Longines USA agent at the time, in accordance with the ‘LXW’ import code found on the movement. The 47mm case is in like new condition, probably never worn and certainly never polished – even the original, unused Longines-signed strap remains fitted. The white enamel chapter ring is in perfect condition, as is the rotating center dial. This example is accompanied by the original Longines guarantee, product literature, and presentation box. Rarely do we find in the world of collecting a nearly 70-year old timepiece so close to the condition it was in the day that it originally left the factory. A true “time capsule” piece, its pristine state of preservation makes it a trophy watch for the connoisseur.

  • 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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35

Ref. 4356
A fine, rare and oversized stainless steel aviator’s wristwatch with center seconds, enamel dial, original guarantee, and presentation box.

1948
Case, dial and movement signed, dial further signed Wittnauer
47mm diameter

Estimate
$40,000 - 80,000 
CHF39,000-77,900
€34,100-68,200
HK$312,000-625,000

Sold for $47,500

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century

New York Auction 26 October 2017