Longines - Phillips & Blackbird: SPORTS Hong Kong Sunday, May 26, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Longines
    Year: 1940
    Reference No: 4356
    Movement No: 5’939’204
    Case No: 20’852
    Model Name: “Weems” Second Setting
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 37.9, 15 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle
    Dimensions: 46.5 mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied with Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch and its subsequent sale on 26 April 1940 to Longines-Wittnauer Company, which was at the time their agent for the USA
    Literature: A similar example is illustrated in Longines Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 80 and 81

  • Catalogue Essay

    During the early 1930s, Charles Lindbergh — one of the most celebrated American pilots in the history of aviation — designed the Longines Hour Angle using the Weems system which enabled aviators to calculate and determine longitude swiftly. The Weems Second Setting Watch, featuring a rotatable central dial allowing the seconds hand to be synchronized with a reference clock, was an evolution from the Hour Angle.

    The present Weems Second Setting watch is possibly the one of the earliest examples to have ever appeared at auction. According to the archival information from Longines, the watch was sold on April 26, 1940 to Longines-Wittnauer, the Longines USA agent at the time, in accordance with the ‘LXW’ import code found on the movement. The oversized 47-mm case is in great condition. Fully embodying all the appeal and thrill a pilot’s wristwatch stimulates in the heart of collectors, this Weems Second Setting presents one of the earliest and intriguing aviation timepiece at auction.

  • 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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813

Ref. 4356
A fine, rare and large stainless steel pilot’s wristwatch with center seconds and enamel dial, retailed by Wittanuer

1940
46.5 mm diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$110,000 - 150,000 
€12,700-17,300
$14,000-20,000

Sold for HK$150,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
thomasperazzi@phillips.com
+852 2318 2001
 

Phillips & Blackbird: SPORTS

Hong Kong Auction 27 May 2019