Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, P...

Geneva, Nov 16, 2008

LOT 450

Olympic Skiing Timer Longines, Swiss, No. 5799015, case No. 20463. Made circa 1939. Fine, large, Staybrite stainless steel, keyless 1/10th second timer with split-seconds feature and instantaneous 30-minute recorder in 30-second increments. Accompanied by the original fitted box.

CHF 2,500 - 3,500

USD 2,300 - 3,200 / EUR 1,600 - 2,200

Sold: CHF 2,040

C. Three-body, massive, "bassine et filets", polished, button at 1 o'clock for the stop/start of the chronograph, button at 11 for the split-seconds. Hinged stainless steel cuvette. D. White enamel with outer black Arabic numerals 1-30, inner red Arabic numerals from 31-60, 1/10th second track, subsidiary dial for the 30-minute register in 30-second increments. Blued steel hands. M. 23''', rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, 21 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance with screws beating at 36,000 VPH, self-compensating Breguet balnce spring with swan neck micrometric regulator. Dial and movement signed, case numbered. Diam. 66 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3-8

Good

Slightly scratched
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-01

Very good

HANDS Original

Notes

Timing the World Downhill Skiing Championships in Chamonix marked Longines? involvement with the sport. In 1939, they introduced the split-seconds chronograph with 1/5th seconds and 30- minute totalizer. That same year they introduced this watch, the famed 1/10th second ?Olympic Timer?, available with or without split-seconds hand, but using a very rare movement for the period that beats at 36,000 VPH. This was again updated for the upcoming Winter Olympics for which Longines had been appointed official timekeeper. However, due to the outbreak of World War II, the games was canceled and these exceptional instruments were consigned to Longines? St. Imier workshops.