Manufacturer: Longines Year: 1942 Reference No: 4994 Movement No: 6'295'843 Case No: 22024 and 35 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 13ZN, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Longines Extract from the Archives confirming the present watch was invoiced on August 11, 1942 to the company Ostersetzer, which was at the time Longines' agent for Italy.
Catalogue Essay
Extremely rare and beautiful, the present watch features a stunning and most probably unpolished case. The contrasting satin and polished finishes are incredibly remarkable. Furthermore, its stunning angled lugs provide great presence on the wrist. At the time of production, the 36mm case size was relatively large for the period.
This watch is powered by the widely acclaimed caliber 13ZN and fitted with a snap-on caseback. Caliber 13ZN was most notably the first serially produced movement to incorporate a flyback function. It enabled the user to calculate time more effectively, especially when compared to a usual chronograph wristwatch.
Research shows that the present watch was invoiced on 11 August 1942 to the company Ostersetzer, which was at that time Longines' agent for Italy.
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.