178 Longines Wonderfully Aged and Rare Oversized “Aviators” Monopusher Chronograph Wristwatch in Steel, With Rotated Black Dial and Original Box

Estimate: € 60,000 –⁠ 120,000

Sold € 71,500

Model: Monopusher
Material: Stainless Steel
Reference N°: 3592
Year: 1936
Case N°: 5405035
Caliber: 18.72
Movement type: Manual
Movement N°: 5405035
Bracelet: Leather Strap
Dimensions: 51 mm
Signed: Dial, case and movement
Accessories: Box and Certificate

The pioneering nature which has always distinguished Longines was not only limited to the field of horses, car and human races, indeed the swiss brand has also made famous creations specifically designed to improve the work of airplanes pilots. Renowed is the Hour Angle Watch for the American pilot Charles Lindberg of which a similar specimen is included in this auction (please see lot 65) or the Weems Second-Setting Watch just to name a couple. Anyway, there is another really innovative wristwatch produced by Longines which has now became extremely fascinating and sought-after by collectors: the Aviation Type A-7 1935, such as the present lot. This unusual watch has been created specifically for the U.S Army Air Corps in the 1930’s and what makes it really appreciated is easily explained. The high speeds at which fighter planes traveled did not allow pilots to take their hands off the wheel act that made reading the timetable very difficult. So Longines decided to modify the vision of the world and to tilt the dial of 45 grades, considerably simplifying the life of the militaries pilots. Tailored to the meet demands of the most discerning aviators, this mono pusher with the crown positioned at 2 o’clock features the manual caliber 18.72. The stainless steel case is in absolute beautiful condition considering all the years and adventures that this watch has lived. The shiny black dial is an absolutely rarity given its conditions, its vertical counter for the chronograph, the fascinating patina taken by the Arabic numerals and the beautiful skeleton hands with luminous material which turned to a delicate ocher yellow color. For military watch collectors, this ultra-rare one is a hard one to pass up and very desirable.

Accompanied by the Longines Extract from the Archives confirming case, movement, production and subsequent sale on 4th December 1937 to Hans Erich Lochner in Bathurst Canada, who was at that time a flight captain for the German company Lufthansa.