Manufacturer: Longines Year: Circa 1949 Movement No: 7'434'353 Case No: 23'643 and 129 Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Mechanical, 1268N Bracelet/Strap: Brown leather strap Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle Dimensions: 37 mm. diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
This oversized Longines is extremely unusual for the period and boasts an incredible case. The dial has been preserved in excellent condition, especially when one takes into account the watch has been housed with a snap-on case back. The 37 mm. case provides a very contemporary size, and the dial looks very modern with its Arabic numerals and outer seconds scale.
Research concludes that the present watch was sold on 22 January 1949 to the Ostersetzer, which was at that time Longines' agent in 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.