Longines Competition Chronometer Movement
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1960
Maker / issuer
LonginesThis object is a competition chronometer wristwatch movement by Longines, dating to circa 1960. The movement is fitted within a rectangular aluminum testing case measuring 70 x 70 mm.
The caliber features 21 jewels, a rhodium-plated finish, and a straight-line lever escapement. Technical features include an anibal-brass Guillaume balance and a specialized alloy Breguet balance spring, complemented by an anti-shock device. The dial is marked "Longines Chronometre." The aluminum housing is identified as a container for wristwatches submitted to observatory contests, a practice maintained by the company to preserve the movement following competition.
The movement is serial number 12172995, and the overall condition is reported as very good.
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
- Type
- Competition chronometer movement in aluminum testing case
- Balance
- Anibal-brass Guillaume balance
- Escapement
- Straight line lever escapement
- Jewel Count
- 21 jewels
- Case Material
- Aluminum
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Case Dimensions
- 70 x 70 mm
- Condition Report
- Very good
- Caliber Dimensions
- 35 x 22 mm
- Maker / attribution
- Longines
- Movement Serial Number
- 12172995
Design
- Visible features
- • Rectangular aluminum testing case with recessed central circular opening • White dial with subsidiary seconds and blue hands • Movement serial number 12172995 visible on the bridge • Rhodium-plated movement finishing with visible jewel settings
- Case and Presentation
- The movement is presented in a purpose-built aluminum testing case measuring 70 x 70 mm. The case features a distinctive square profile with a central circular recess designed to securely house the watch movement. The source indicates that the company maintained the movement in this specific aluminum container following the completion of competitive trials. This protective arrangement served to preserve the movement in its testing configuration.
- Signatures and Condition
- The dial and movement are both signed by Longines, with the dial bearing the specific inscription "Longines Chronometre." The movement serial number is recorded as 12172995. The provided documentation attributes the object to the period circa 1960. It notes that the company began producing high-quality wristwatches following the Second World War, winning the Geneva Observatory Contest in 1947, and describes the present movement as a continuation of this tradition.
- Movement and Technical Specifications
- The movement is a rhodium-plated caliber measuring 35 x 22 mm and is equipped with 21 jewels. It utilizes a straight-line lever escapement that incorporates end stones across the entire assembly. The balance system comprises an anibal-brass Guillaume balance coupled with a special alloy Breguet balance spring. An anti-shock device is also present. The caliber operates at a high frequency, described in the source as a very fast train with an estimated rate of 36,000 vibrations per hour. The construction reflects the requirements for precision timing during competition trials, incorporating high-grade finishing consistent with components developed for observatory contests.
Identification
- Serial number
- 12172995
- 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: The vibration rate of 36,000 b/h is described by the source as "probably," not verified
- Research required: Exact provenance of the movement's observatory trial participation is not documented