1943 Longines Weems Pilot's Watch Ref. 22384
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1943
Maker / issuer
LonginesThis 1943 Longines Weems pilot's watch, reference 22384, is a stainless steel wristwatch measuring 33.5mm in diameter. The timepiece incorporates a rotatable bezel with a locking mechanism operated by an additional crown positioned at 4 o'clock.
This feature, patented in 1935, allowed pilots to synchronize the seconds hand with radio time signals without stopping the movement. The dial, signed "Longines" and marked "SWISS" at the 6 o'clock position, features Arabic numerals with radium luminescence and blued steel hands. The case back is of the snap-on variety. According to the auction description, the watch is currently supplied on a vintage two-piece tan canvas strap.
The watch is reported to be keeping time, though its service history remains unknown.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Size
- 33.5mm
- Type
- Pilot's watch
- Maker
- Longines
- Reference
- 22384
- Case Material
- Stainless Steel
- Serial Number
- 652XXXX
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Dial Description
- Silver "Aged"
- Maker / attribution
- Longines
Design
- Dial and Hands
- The watch features its original dial, which is simply signed with the Longines brand name. The dial displays an aged aesthetic with radium numerals that retain a dark tan patina. When evaluated under UV light, the dial shows consistent light degradation. The blued steel hands have aged slightly lighter than the dial base. Inspection reveals that the hour hand shows no signs of degradation, while the minute hand exhibits some loss of luminous material, with the remaining lume reported as stable.
- Visible features
- • External locking crown positioned at the 4 o'clock case side • Visible aging and patina on the radium luminous dial numerals • Rotatable bezel with engraved minute/second markings
- Case and Bezel Construction
- The watch features a stainless steel case measuring 33.5mm. It is fitted with a characteristic rotating bezel, which is designed to be locked in place via a secondary crown located at the 4 o'clock position on the case side. The auction description notes that the locking mechanism is present and that the crown is considered to be original to the watch. The case back is a snap-on type. The overall condition of the steel case is described as excellent, with minimal evidence of polishing or wear relative to the age of the piece.
- Historical Context and Function
- The Longines Weems model was developed in collaboration with U.S. Navy Captain Philip Van Horn Weems. The secondary crown and rotating bezel provided a specialized second-setting system, which enabled aviators to adjust the dial to radio signals without the need to stop the movement mechanism. This system was patented in 1935 and was marketed as a necessity for celestial navigation during the mid-twentieth century. The watch is currently paired with a vintage two-piece tan canvas strap and is reported to maintain accurate time.
Identification
- Reference
- 22384
- Serial number
- 652XXXX
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Enamel in the rotating bezel is no longer present
- Research required: Previous service history is unknown to the vendor