Lot 456

Longines

Hour Angle Watch

A rare Lindbergh collection in practically new condition - limited special edition no. 297 of 1000 pieces in total, presented in 1987 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Lindbergh's first nonstop flight from New York City to Paris - with replica of his famous "Hour Angle" pilot's navigation watch, wooden model of the legendary "Spirit of St. Louis" aircraft, original leather case with Longines embossing, original box, original certificate, guarantee card, operating instructions and numbered print for the limited special edition

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In the early years of aviation between 1920 and 1930 the majority of aviators wore watches created by Longines. The main reason for this was Longines' advantage in innovation, their most notable piece at the time being the Hour Angle watch.
As Earth makes one rotation of 360 degrees, a 12-hour dial is a useful tool for dividing up that distance over time. With the inner rotating bezel the aviator could use the hands of the watch to pinpoint his location accurately.