Manufacturer: Longines Year: Circa 1946 Reference No: 5412 Movement No: 6'988'215 Case No: 6'988'215 Model Name: "Pointer Date" Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 27.0, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle Dimensions: 35.7mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Longines Extract from the Archives confirming invoicing of the present watch on August 2, 1946 to Portugal
Catalogue Essay
Nicknamed “Pointer Date” due to its red tipped hand pointing at the calendar printed on the outer ring of the dial, Longines' reference 5412’s resemblance with the extremely popular oversized time-only from the 1940-1950s is striking. With a case diameter of 35.7mm, the watch is not oversized but its presence on the wrist remains very satisfying. In production for a very short period of time in the late 1940s, the reference was mainly available in stainless steel. This very short production makes it extremely difficult to find an example today, but the chance to find one in pink gold with a pink dial is even smaller. Further presented in excellent condition this watch represent a scarce opportunity to own a reference that only a few savvy collectors would know.
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.