Manufacturer: Longines Year: 1945 Reference No: 4914 Movement No: 6'900'398 Case No: 23'011, 1 and 36 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather strap Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle Dimensions: 37.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Longines Extract from the Archives confirming the present watch was invoiced on 26 July 1945 to the Royal Australian Air force, via the company Cochrane, which was at that time Longines' agent for Australia.
Catalogue Essay
A perfect epitomization of the concept "less is more", the present watch impresses with the purity of its lines reprising the famed "Calatrava" style and preserved in overall astounding condition. Most probably unpolished, the sharpness of its edges is fully matched by the fullness of its lugs. Every detail is perfectly preserved, including the satin finish to the band. The dial is in similar condition, unrestored and aged with exceedingly attractive ivory patina and tobacco luminous material.
On top of looks and condition, the present watch is an eminently wearable vintage piece: its 37.5mm diameter, considered oversize for the standards of the time, is in perfect line with today's fashion, making this a hard-to-resist opportunity for the collector of vintage timepieces.
Research shows that the present watch was invoiced on 26 July 1945 to the Royal Australian Air force, via the company Cochrane, which was at that time Longines' agent for Australia.
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.