The following five lots, 111 - 115, represent an attractive selection of fine watches signed by Longines. Since its creation in 1832 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, Longines has played a pioneering role in numerous technological breakthroughs, notably in the world of sports by introducing in 1912 the principle of an electric wire, which at the start and finish of a race, activated and stopped the timing mechanism. The company has also been associated with the history of aviation and navigation. It timed, for instance, Lindbergh's first solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean and, subsequently developed the Hour Angle watch according to a design drawn by Lindbergh himself.

Longines. A fine and rare competition chronometer

SIGNED LONGINES, CHRONOMETRE, MOVEMENT NO. 12172992, CIRCA 1965

Details

Longines. A fine and rare competition chronometer
Signed Longines, Chronometre, movement no. 12172992, circa 1965
Cal. 360 rectangular-shaped nickel-finished jewelled lever movement, Guillaume balance with gold poising screws, oversized barrel, the silvered matte dial with Arabic numerals, blued steel spade hands, subsidiary seconds, in glazed circular outer case, all set within an aluminium protective case, movement and dial signed
Movement 28 x 35 mm., 51 mm. diam., case 70 x 70 mm.

Lot Essay

Calibre L360 was launched in 1959 and is known as the "observatory calibre". This highly precise wristwatch movement won in its time the greatest number of distinctions at timing contests.

For another example of a calibre 360 Observatory movement see Longines by Daria Marozzi & Gianluigi Toselli, p. 25.

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