LONGINES SPIRIT AVIATOR CHRONOGRAPH NOS
£1,750.00
Description
Item description: The Longines Spirit limited edition range was brought to market in 2010, and the more interesting versions, such as the chronograph, were quickly sold out. According to Longines, the concept around the ‘Spirit’ range was about paying tribute to the watchmaking spirit that has been resident with Longines since its inception in 1832. The styling is based on early aviator watches from the 1930s. This example was the most desirable of the ‘Spirit’ range, the double chronograph with black enamel dial. The watch case is in polished stainless steel of large proportions, and has an equally large black enamel dial. The latin hour numbers, along with hands are finished in beige Tritium luminous material, and give a particularly pleasant ‘vintage’ feel to the watch. The dial has two sub counters, along with a calender at the 6.0 position. One nice touch to this watch, are the flat headed chrongraph pushers, firstly, they, once again, give a ‘vintage’ feel, but they are remarkably easy to use as well. The case-back has the Longines brand and logo in relief , along with the reference numbers etc. The movement is the Longines classic calibre 651 automatic movement. The watch is complete with its stainless steel branded watch bracelet.
Additional description: In addition to the watch, is the original large blue and cream Longines ‘Spirit’ case, extra links for the bracelet, and the original Longines chronograph Instructions For Use.
Case size: 50mm x 41mm
Condition report: Mint condition, storage age only. The instructions in mint condition. The case showing signs of storage use only.
Background to Longines: The Longines company was founded in Saint-Imier, Switzerland by Auguste Agassiz in 1832 . In fact the Longines winged hourglass logo is the oldest known registered trademark for any watchmaker. The Longines company provided timers which were used at the first modern Olympics in 1896. In 1899, a Longines watch went to the North Pole with Arctic explorer Luigi Amedeo of Savoy. As we moved into the 20th century, Longines supplied automatic timekeeping for the Federal Gymnastics at Basel in 1912. Since that time, the Longines brand have been associated with sporting timepieces.
Longines are particularly known for their ‘Aviators’ range of watches. This venture started when Longines collaborated with Weems, and brought out the first watch (bearing the Weems name) for pilot navigation. After Charles Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight in 1927, Lindbergh set out to update and improve the Weems watch, based on his experience of flying over the Atlantic. He explained to Longines what he needed from a navigational watch, and the watchmakers went to work, with Charles Lindbergh giving his stamp of approval on the final product. In 1931, the Longines Lindbergh watch was born. Longines gained huge publicity through their association with Charles Lindbergh, selling the watch to working pilots and the adoring public alike.
Special notes: This is a very adaptable watch. It looks at its classic best with a good aviator style leather strap, or in a more modern context with the bracelet. The watch is ideal for motor racing /rallying use.
Provenance: n/a
Ordering: shop@jensenmuseum.org or telephone: +1694-781354
