Important Watches, Wristwatches and C...

Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, Apr 24, 1999

LOT 236

Longines, Weems, U.S. Patent 2008734, 1930's. Very fine and rare, small, hour angle, centre second, stainless steel "Staybrite" military wristwatch with two crowns with stainless steel bracelet "a mailles".

CHF 2,800 - 3,200

C. three body, polished, satine, graduated revolving bezel released by the second crown, reeded band. D. matted silver with radium-coated Arabic numerals. "Skeleton " radium-coated hands. M. 10"' rhodium plated, 17 jewels, lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock-absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 33 mm.


LOADING IMAGES
Click to full view
Image

Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good

Case: 4-6

Fair

Slightly oxidized

Movement: *4-6

Fair

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense

Slightly oxidized

Dial: 24-01

Slightly chipped

HANDS Original

Notes

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 those radio broadcasters as well as others, such as civil engineers who require exact time. This model was used by RAF pilots in the Longines version, but also the one made by Omega, Movado, Zenith and LeCoultre.