Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...
Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 24, 1999
LOT 229
LeCoultre, Weems, 1930's. Very fine and rare, small, hour angle, centre seconds, stainless steel "Staybrite" military wristwatch with two crowns and military leather strap.
CHF 3,000 - 3,500
C. three body, polished, satine, graduated revolving bezel released by the second crown, reeded band, engraved back. D. matted silver with painted Arabic numerals. "Lozenge" blued steel hands. M. 10- rhodium plated, 17 jewels, lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, Breguet balance-spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 33 mm.
| Grading System | |
|---|---|
Grade: AA |
Very good |
Case: 6 |
Slightly oxidized |
Movement: *4-6 |
Fair Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense Slightly oxidized |
Dial: 5-6-01 |
Poor Slightly oxidized HANDS Original |
Notes
Engraved on the back: "PROPERTY U.S. ARMYA.C. - WATCH,
NAVIGATION, HACK, TYPE All - SERIAL NO 650 - ORDER
NO 42-10905 P - MANUFACTURER'S PART NO. LECWEEMS".
This hour angle system is called the "Weems Model" because of
its inventor: Professor and Instructor Philippe Vanhorn Weems,
of the Naval Academy of Annapolis, who was an authority in the
1920-30's. He formed the famous Charles A. Lindbergh who
established the record for the first non-stop transoceanic flight.
The hour angle watch "Lindbergh Model" used for this flight is
drawn from the Weems invention. Professor Ph. Weems wrote
several important books and received a Gold Medal from the
International Aeronautic Federation.
The Longines Weems second-setting watch is made in two styles.
The smaller model is useful not only for sea navigators and
aircraft pilots, but particularly for radio broadcasters as well as
others such as civil engineers requiring exact time.
This model was used by RAF pilots in the Longines version, but
also the one made by Omega, Movado, Zenith and LeCoultre.