172 Longines Very Attractive and Unusual 13ZN Flyback Chronograph Wristwatch in Steel, With Black Tachymetric and Telemetric Scales Dial, Mobile Lugs and Original Box

Estimate: € 25,000 –⁠ 50,000

Model: Chronograph
Material: Stainless Steel
Reference N°: 3901
Year: 1940
Case N°: 20117 (33)
Caliber: 13ZN
Movement type: Manual
Movement N°: 5792489
Bracelet: Leather Strap
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, case and movement
Accessories: Box and Certificate
Literature: This specific watch is published in the LONGINES LEGENDARY WATCHES book on pages 350–351

Amongst watches aficionados, Longines chronographs are for sure positioned at the very top of the ranking of the world’s most beautiful stop watches ever produced. The reasons that lead collectors and lovers to appreciate so much the creations of the Swiss brand are varied, first and foremost the quality of its movements: the calibres 13.33Z, 13ZN and 30CH have indelibly marked the history of Longines and for this reason celebrated. A second reason is certainly the one dictated by the massive, resistant but also very elegant and fashionable style of its chronograph cases. Finally, another quality loved by Longines collectors is that of the beauty of its dials, whether decorated with tachymetric or telematic scales, with a black, white or argentè background.
The present lot is no exception and embodies all the characteristics above mentioned making this very piece one of the nicest examples ever produced for a 1930’s chronograph. The three-body, solid stainless steel case with snap on back is a perfect representative of the unmistakable “Longines-style”. It is nicely preserved in original conditions and presents a stepped flat bezel, two very unusual tilting mobile lugs and rectangular chronograph buttons. The caliber is the famous 13ZN rhodium plated with selfcompensating Breguet balance spring and flyback mechanism. The sophisticated black dial is a real joy for the eyes for its nicely preserved color, its intricate composition with external telemeter scale, inner spiral tachometer scale, arabic numerals all made with gilt print and the two subsidiary counter for constant seconds and 30 minutes registration. Absolutely remarkable for quality and features, this watch is a real dream for any Longines collectors.

Accompanied by the Longines Extract from the Archives confirming case, movement, production and subsequent sale on 30 November 1940 to the company Weil, which was at that time the Longines agent for Chile.