51.
LONGINES – A fne and attractive stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with luminous multi-scale dial
Manufacturer
Longines
Year
Circa 1963
Reference No.
6592-4
Movement No.
12’137’764
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Manual, cal. 30CH, 17 jewels, stamped “LXW”
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel buckle
Dimensions
36.5mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial and movement signed
Estimate CHF 10,000-15,000 $10,200-15,400 €8,800-13,200 Accessories Accompanied by Longines Certifcate of Origin and Authenticity confrming production of the present watch with tachometer and telemeter scales, chronograph function and its subsequent sale on October 17, 1963 to Longines-Wittnauer, at the time Longines’ USA agent. Literature A similar watch is prominently described and illustrated in Longines Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 268 and 269.
Chronograph timepieces are a cornerstone of Longines’s vintage production. In fact, the company developed at least two of the most appreciated chronograph calibers ever devised: cal. 13ZN, and cal. 30CH, an example of which can be found in the present piece. Both are considered mechanical masterpieces, and are now extremely sought-afer examples of mid-20th century watchmaking.
The technical refnement of the movement is in this instance fully matched by the aesthetic impact of the watch. The 36.5 mm case - an unusually large size for the time - grants the piece a highly modern appeal. Furthermore, the large bezel and small pushers work together to amplify the perceived size of the wristwatch. According to Longines’s archives, the present example of reference 6592-4 was sold to the company’s USA agent in 1963. The presence of the “LXW” stamp on the movement confrms the watch’s American destiny. Ofered in extremely attractive condition, the watch features a multi-scale dial with telemeter and tachymeter scales in addition to a ffh of a second baton combined with 5-minute Arabic divisions. The presence of the Certifcate of Authenticity indicates that Longines examined and vetted the piece, adding further certainty to the originality of the watch. Highlighting the appeal and collectability of the piece, a similar example with a serial number 9 digits later than the present watch is described and illustrated in one of the most respected publications about Longines production and history, Longines Watches by John Goldberger.
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