Longines Marine Chronometer
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1940s
Maker / issuer
LonginesThis marine chronometer, identified by Longines serial number 8278725, was produced in the 1940s. The instrument is housed within a two-body oak box, featuring a brass hinged bowl mounted in a gimballed suspension system.
The matte silver dial presents a 24-hour indication with Arabic numerals and an outer minute ring, complemented by a sector display for the 36-hour power reserve. It utilizes blued steel spade hands. The internal mechanism is the caliber 21.29, a 21-jewel movement finished with rhodium plating and fausses côtes decoration. It features a straight-line lever escapement, a monometallic balance adjusted to temperature and five positions, a self-compensating Breguet balance-spring, and a cam-type micrometer regulator.
The chronometer is accompanied by two keys, and both the dial and movement bear the Longines signature, with the case displaying the serial number.
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
- Marine chronometer
- Maker
- Longines
- Movement
- Caliber 21.29
- Dimensions
- Bowl 90mm, Box 15 x 15 x 10 cm
- Case Material
- Oak and brass
- Dial Features
- 24-hour indication
- Power Reserve
- 36 hours
- Serial Number
- 8278725
- Balance System
- Monometallic
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Longines
Design
- Visible features
- • Oak box with brass hardware • Gimballed brass mounting • 24-hour dial layout • Power reserve indicator on dial
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement powering this instrument is the Longines Caliber 21.29. It features 21 jewels and a rhodium-plated finish with fausses côtes decorative detailing. The escapement is a straight-line lever type. Technical precision is managed by a monometallic balance adjusted for five positions and temperature, paired with a self-compensating Breguet balance-spring. Regulation of the rate is performed using a cam-type micrometer regulator, allowing for adjustments to the chronometer’s performance. The movement is signed to verify its origin, and the overall state is reported with a grade of 3, with an overhaul recommended for optimal performance.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The chronometer is enclosed in a two-body oak case, constructed with brass hinges and a dedicated brass bowl mounted via a gimballed suspension to maintain level in marine environments. The case exterior dimensions are recorded as 15 x 15 x 10 cm, while the internal bowl measures 90 mm in diameter. Two keys are included for winding and adjustment. The matte silver dial displays a concentric 24-hour numerical sequence, which is supplemented by an outer minute ring and a specific sector for the up-and-down power reserve indication. Time is read using blued steel spade-pattern hands, which provide contrast against the silver surface of the dial. The dial itself is signed by the manufacturer.
- Signatures and Documentation
- The chronometer is formally identified by the Longines serial number 8278725, which is cited on the case. Further authentication is provided by the manufacturer’s signature on the dial and the movement. The item is dated to the 1940s. Condition reporting provided by the auction description includes grades for the case, movement, and dial, identifying them as generally good, though technical maintenance is advised. The assembly includes two keys used for the operation of the instrument.
Identification
- Reference
- Cal. 21.29
- Serial number
- 8278725
- 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: Movement overhaul recommended by auction house
- Research required: Specific production year within the 1940s is not defined