Longines - WINNING ICONS – Legendary Watches of the 20th Century New York Thursday, October 26, 2017 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Longines
    Year: 1957
    Reference No: 6630
    Movement No: 9’686’372
    Model Name: Swissair
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 37.9, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 47mm diameter
    Accessories: Accompanied by Longines Extract from the Archives dated July 2017.
    Literature: For other examples of the reference 6630 Swissair, see Longines Watches by John Goldberger, Damiani Editore, pages 88-89.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Longines has a storied history manufacturing aviators’ timepieces, supplying many innovative models to aide pilots and military personnel across a variety of navigation methods – most notably, the Lindbergh Hour Angle and Weems Second Setting models developed from a design by the great American aviator, Charles Lindbergh. Amongst these, one of the rarest and most sought after is the legendary, oversized reference 6630 introduced in 1955. Scholarship tells us the reference was made exclusively for Swissair, the former national airline of Switzerland, in operation from 1931 to 2002, and now part of Lufthansa. According to Longines, the present watch, with case number 91, was invoiced to Swissair on December 20th, 1957, and belonged to a small group of less than 100 examples of the reference made. Scholarship tells us these special watches were given by Swissair’s management to pilots and staff members, and were never made available to the public. So rare is the model, the present example is believed to be only the third reference 6630 to ever appear at auction. With its oversized, 47 mm stainless steel case, large black dial, and inner 24-hour ring, the hardly ever seen watch has become a rare icon from the earliest days of jet travel. In exceptional overall condition, this impressive watch offers a rare opportunity 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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Ο44

Ref. 6630
A very rare and unusual oversized stainless steel aviator’s wristwatch with center seconds, and hack feature, made for Swissair.

1957
Case, dial and movement signed
47mm diameter

Estimate
$60,000 - 120,000 
CHF58,500-117,000
€51,100-102,000
HK$468,000-937,000

Sold for $75,000

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