Here we have a rare and early Longines silver cased central seconds watch. It was invoiced on the 10th June 1911 to Schwob, who were Longines agents in Russia. This makes it one of the earliest documented central second watches we have seen.
The dial is a bright white enamel with the railroad minute track and italic stylised Arabic numerals with the red 12. The hands are the classic Spade and whip style with the central second having the tear drop counterbalance.It has an impressive case diameter of 36mm and is presented on its original silver expanding bracelet. It has the snap-on bezel with the double hinged case back. To the right is the original onion style crown with pin set below. The inside of the case back is marked with Swiss hallmarking for 0.935 Silver. The movement is the Longines calibre 13.56, which is a 15-jewel manual wind movement. It has been recently serviced and is keeping accurate time.
The watch comes with an extract from the Longines archive.
The enamel dial is the bright white tone. It is much larger than the bezel indicates with an outer surround running to the edge of the case. This is visible with the bezel removed. Unfortunately, there is a crack to the right-hand side which has been filled and stabilised.It has the black railroad track to the exterior with the thicker black batons for the 5-minute graduations. The hour markers are the Italic stylised Arabic numerals with the standout red 12. The hour and minute hands are of the classic spade and whip style, with the central second hand having the tear drop counterbalance.
The case measures 36mm x 36mm which makes this a well-sized watch. It is an early wristwatch case design with the snap-on bezel, double hinged back and central attachment for the bracelet. The central attachment has the ribbed design which follows that of the bracelet. The bezel has the large, dished form with the polished finish. To the right-hand side is the original onion style crown which has a pleasing patina. Below is the pin-set for the hand setting.
The bracelet is original to the watch. It is a very early expanding bracelet which is formed of 0.930 Silver. It is marked ‘Patent’ with the initials ‘JE’. It has springs within the links which allow it to stretch. It is hard to get over a gent’s wrist with limited stretch. It will squeeze over a smaller hand and sits well on a 17.8cm wrist circumference.
The case back has the polished finish. Inside it is signed with the Swiss Bear hallmark with the 0.935 Sterling Silver text below.The inner case back has a beautiful engraving. The pocket watch cases also carried the ‘4 Grands Prix’ etchings, but it is not commonly seen on wrist watches. It is signed with the Longines name to the top with the ‘4 Grands Prix, Paris-Paris, Milan, Bruxelles’ text, relating to Longines awards for timekeeping at these competitions. The etchings are detailed with interesting medal scenes. The inner case back has the matching hallmarking and derail number to the inside.
The movement is the Longines calibre 13.56, which is a 15-jewel manual wind movement with central seconds. It has been recently serviced and is keeping very accurate time to within 20 seconds variation a day, with an amplitude of 320 degrees and a beat error of 0.4m/s.
As mentioned above the watch comes with a recent extract from the archive which states the date of invoice as 10th June 1911. Its invoicing to Schwob, the Longines agent in Russia, means this watch was in the country at a pivotal moment in history, leading up to the Revolution.The case has the serial number 1,995,344 which fits with a 1906/07 production. This early model of watch (without central seconds) appears in a 1907 Longines catalogue. This indicates a lag between production and sale which was relatively common during this early period of the wristwatch.
The watch is modelled on a 7” wrist circumference.
Please see the images as these compliment and aid the description provided below.A further condition report is below.
Dial:
The dial is enamel and is original. The visible area is in good condition for the age. The outer section (which is hidden by the bezel) has a missing edge and crack to the right-hand side. This has been stablished to protect the centre of the dial.
Hands:
The hour and minute hand are original. They are in good condition and have the bright thermally blued finish. The central second hand is a well matched replacement.
Glass:
The acrylic crystal is a modern replacement which fits the profile perfectly and is in perfect condition.
Crown:
The crown is original and is in good antique condition, functioning as it should.
Case:
The case is in good condition for the age. It has a couple of dimpled dents to the bezel. The front snaps on securely. The case back is in good condition and is free of personal engraving. Both backs have good hinges and seal tightly.
Strap:
The Silver expanding bracelet is original to the watch. It is in good antique condition. It has some bending associated with age and wear. It has springs within the links which allow it to stretch. It is hard to get over a gent’s wrist with limited stretch. It will squeeze over a smaller hand and sits well on a 17.8cm wrist circumference.
Movement:
The movement is the Longines calibre 13.56, which is a 15-jewel manual wind movement with central seconds. It has been recently serviced and is keeping very accurate time to within 20 seconds variation a day, with an amplitude of 320 degrees and a beat error of 0.4m/s.
Case dimensions
Case width: 36mm
Case width with crown: 38.75mm
Case length: 36mm
Case length to lug attachment: 42mm
Case depth: 11mm
Bracelet width: 8mm