Key Features
This incredible LONGINES pocket watch, with its richly engraved case, is a highly desirable piece of horological art! Dating back to the 1910’s, this intricate timepiece is hand-engraved on the case body, the front bezel, bow neck, and caseback. It features a specially shaped bow, and floral motifs of two gryphons and the face of a Satyr. The chain is sterling silver with a silver charm showing the three wise monkeys – see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil.
Do you know the correct name for this ancient motif? Please don’t hesitate to make a suggestion: e-mail german.polosin@gmail.com, for the sake of getting the correct data about this mysterious item.
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.
Servicing and Guarantee
This timepiece has been serviced with full disassembly in our Bristol workshop. There is a 12-month guarantee, subject to the usage and care guidelines.
Overview
Case and Chain
- Original, richly hand-engraved case.
- Sterling silver.
- Front convex mineral crystal.
- Hand-engraved sterling silver caseback.
- Antique style crown.
- Sterling silver chain with silver three wise monkeys charm.
Dimensions:
- Width 41.5 mm.
- Height 67.5 mm.
Dial and Hands
- Original, white enamel dial.
- Long, thin black Roman numerals.
- “Longines” signature below 12 position.
- Seconds subdial at 6 position.
- Dark gold tone ‘spade’ style hour and minute hands.
- Dark gold tone small seconds hand with tail.
Movement
- Swiss-made movement.
- Original Longines caliber.
- 15 jewels.
- Manual.
- Power reserve 32+ hours.
- Gilt plates and bridges.
- Longines logo and 16831 patent number engraved on the balance cock.
Testing Results
- Testing duration: 2 weeks face up.
- Average timekeeping range: 20-45 sec/day.
Servicing and Guarantee
- Fully serviced with disassembly in our Bristol shop.
- Mechanics in full working order.
- More than 32 hour power reserve.
- Sterling silver chain with charm.
- 12-month warranty.
- Guarantee Terms and Conditions.
Links and Resources:
The Griffin in Greek Mythology and Some Information on Other Hybrids.
