65 Longines Historically Important and Very Rare “Lindbergh” Oversized Aviator’s Hour Angle Gentleman’s Wristwatch in Steel, With Enamel Centre Seconds Dial

Estimate: € 35,000 –⁠ 70,000

Model: Lindbergh
Material: Stainless Steel
Reference N°: 3210
Year: 1937
Case N°: 5320613
Caliber: 18.69N
Movement type: Manual
Movement N°: 5320613
Bracelet: Leather Strap
Dimensions: 48 mm
Signed: Dial, case and movement
Accessories: Certificate
Literature: This specific watch is published in the LONGINES LEGENDARY WATCHES book on pages 202–203

With the Longines Extract from the Archives confirming case, movement, production and subsequent sale on 16 December 1937 to the company Perret, which was at that time the Longines agent for Brazil.

If the flights of the aviators were simplified from 1932 onwards, they had to thank a specific person and a specific watch brand. It was May 21, 1927 when Charles. A. Lindberg completed his crossing of the Atlantic in 33 hours and 30 minutes and as soon as he set foot on French soil his thought was aimed at developing a tool to improve this type of travel. After carrying out projects, in 1930 he contacted the president of the International Aviation Federation and then director of Longines-Wittnauer on American soil, Mr. John Heinmüller, to submit to his attention his projects. Not long after that meeting, in 1932, Lindberg’s ideas came to life and Longines presented to the world the Hour Angle Watch. It was designed for aircraft pilots to precisely locate and understand their position during flights: the accuracy of mechanical watches, in fact, could be affected by conditions on ships and airplanes, and the hour angle watch provided a way for variations to be calculated when used in conjunction with radio signals. The present example it’s a true gem not only for its importance in the horological world but most of all for its conditions given the over 80 years of age. The stainless steel case shines and hits with all its 48 mm of diameter. The green and black colors of numbers on the rotating bezel are untouched and clearly visible; the enamel dial with the 12 hours indication, concentric, the 180 degree and revolving ‘Champagne’ disc bearing the 60 minutes is clean and totally free of felure. The big crown at 3 o’clock is still the original one and maintains the sharp edges of its fluted decoration. Historically important and perfectly preserved this watch is a must have for every watch lovers and collector.