180 YEARS OF

A nyone who is interested in collecting Longines watches
should take these guidelines to heart. ey address the
most desirable chronographs, navigational watches and
elegant three-hand watches of this important brand and
will help ensure that fans of historical timepieces do not
overlook important pieces – and this in turn will help
Chronographs
give their collections a representative overview of wristwatch
production at Longines.
CHRONOGRAPHS
Any ne Longines collection begins with a model containing
the Caliber 13.33Z. is single-pusher chronograph
was built between 1913 and 1936 and is usually
found with a 14- or 18-karat gold or silver
case with a hinged cover. Steel versions are
much rarer. Gold watches from the 1920s
and 1930s (that is, not the earliest models)
currently go for around 6000 euros at auction,
while silver watches can be had for
around 4000 euros. At the time of their production
the case and movement numbers
were identical and care should be taken at the
time of purchase for verication. (Unfortunately,
matching numbers were no longer used at
later dates.) Special attention should also be paid to the
hinge on the back cover. Any damage will need to be repaired
by a goldsmith and this can become quite expensive.
Another important feature is an original, unrestored
dial with correct fonts. Enamel dials should never
have breaks, hairline cracks, or chips along the edge.
e next acquisition for any chronograph fan should
be a watch with the Caliber 13ZN. is movement has a
y-back function, column-wheel, screw balance and
hairspring with overcoil, and was built from 1936 to
1947. It is one of the most famous chronograph calibers
in watch history. Even passionate collectors will nd it
dicult to have just one. ere are still some gorgeous
steel models with two- and three-tone dials at prices between
5000 and 8000 euros, and also with enamel dials. A
gold version was also made in a waterproof case with a
threaded caseback that can cost up to 20,000 euros. More
dicult to nd are the models beginning in 1942 with a
central minute counter. A steel watch of this type in new,
pristine condition will cost anywhere from 30,000 to
40,000 euros at auction.
with the
Caliber 13.33Z: a rare
steel model from 1925
(above) and a gold
version from the 1930s
The last chronograph
movement built by
Longines: The Caliber
30CH was cased in
steel and gold watches
from 1947 onwards.
Photos: Antiquorum
Valuable piece of
watch history: steel
chronograph from
the 1940s with the
Caliber 13ZN
LONGINES SPECIAL WatchTime | 135