Longines - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Longines
    Year: 1936
    Reference No: 3592
    Movement No: 5'162'912
    Case No: 5'162'912
    Model Name: A7 "Avigation"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 18.72, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 49mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, movement and dial signed by maker, dial further signed by retailer
    Accessories: Accompanied by an Orologeria Eberhard Milano presentation box and an Extract from the Archives confirming invoice of the present watch on July 11, 1936 to Italy.
    Literature: A similar watch is illustrated in Longines, Legendary Watches by John Goldberger pp 258-259

  • Catalogue Essay

    The beauty, state of preservation and rarity of the present oversized Longines A7 chronograph in stainless steel cannot be underlined enough.

    Launched before World War II, these single pusher chronographs were initially produced for aviators with the dial set at an angle so the time could be read easily while piloting. A single button pusher incorporated into the crown allowed the pilot to easily start, stop and reset the chronograph to zero.

    The Longines A-7 “Avigation” name comes from the US Army Air Corps “Type A” designations for many of their issued equipment watches and derives from the conjunction of “Aerial Navigation”. After the war and for a very short period of time, a small production in stainless steel was produced for the civilian market, as opposed to the chrome-plated military version.

    The present stainless steel civilian A7 is presented in untouched and original condition. The case is unmolested and the gilt finished movement is superbly preserved. The black matt dial, printed with silver inscription proudly displays the prestigious, Milan-based retailer Eberhard’s signature making it the only known model A7 in steel with retailer signature.
    The watch is further completed by its original box signed Orologeria Eberhard Milano.

    The present watch is not only an ultra-rare example in stainless steel but its new old stock condition, original strap and buckle, retailer signed dial and original box is sure to delight any connoisseur of large and unusual timepieces.

  • 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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Ref. 3592
An extremely large, unusual and very well preserved stainless steel single button chronograph pilot's wristwatch with rotated black dial and hinged case back, retailed by Eberhard Milano

1936
49mm Diameter
Case, movement and dial signed by maker, dial further signed by retailer

Estimate
CHF50,000 - 100,000 
€44,500-89,100
$50,400-101,000

Sold for CHF250,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE

Geneva Auction 11-12 May 2019