The design retains many elements of pocket watches, both technically and aesthetically, reflecting the transition period when wristwatches were just beginning to gain popularity. The enamel dial is signed with the iconic “LONGINES” logo, accompanied by a distinctive red “XII” and deep blue steel hands.
The caseback is stamped with the EFCo Longines logo, further emphasizing the watch’s authenticity. Powered by the signed and numbered Longines 13.34 movement, this timepiece is in good working order, featuring the early pin-set system, which was common at the time.
This rare piece represents a significant moment in wristwatch history, when timepieces were evolving from military to civilian use.
About Longines
The Longines watch company was founded in 1832 by watchmaker Auguste Agassiz, and his two partners, Henri Raiguel and Florian Morel. Initially, the original name of the company was Raiguel Jeune & Cie. However, by 1846, Raigeul and Morel had retired from the watch industry, leaving Agassiz as the sole head of the company.
The name ‘Longines’ comes from a famous pocket watch model created in 1867 by a later head of the company, Ernest Francillon, who had established a manufactory outside the village of Saint-Imier in the meadows of the district Langgewann (Les Longines). This model became so popular that the company began to experience problems with counterfeiting, and so in 1889 the trademark name of ‘Longines’ was registered, making this company the oldest registered watch manufacturer in the world.
The success of Longines has a long history. They have developed highly regarded reputations in equestrian sports such as horse racing, due to their creation of the 20H ‘mono-pusher’ chronograph 1878, which enabled the creation of precise stopwatches suitable for timing professional events.
In the 1940’s, Longines actively collaborated with both UK and US allies, as well as with the Wehrmacht, supplying watches to all warring parties. Many military style watches from the company can be found. In 1945 Longines brought the first watch with automatic winding to market, and in 1952 they were the official timekeeper of the Olympic Winter Games in Oslo.
Today, Longines continues to thrive just as successfully as ever before, and along with Omega and Tissot, is one of the largest brands inside the Swatch Group.
Overview
Case and Strap
- Nickel case
- Matching winding crown
- New stock black leather riveted strap
- Matching nickel caseback
Dimensions:
- Width w/o crown: 33.3 mm
- Width w/ crown: 35.8mm
- Height: 37.8mm
- Thickness w/o strap: 9.2mm
- Thickness w/ strap: 13.9mm
- Strap width: 19mm
Dial and Hands
- near perfect condition white ceramic dial
- Subseconds dial
- Black numerals with special red 12 marker
- Blued steel hands
Movement
- Longines 13.34
Testing results:
- Testing duration: 1 week cyclic test
- Average timekeeping range: 15-30 sec/day
Servicing and Guarantee
- Fully serviced.
- Mechanics in full working order.
- Care and usage guidelines.
