Lot 47

Longines

NAV 51

An extremely rare vintage single-button flyback aviator's wrist chronograph with central minute register, invoiced on June 27th, 1947 to the company Nederlandsche Horlogehendel, which was at that time Longines agent for the Netherlands. It was intended for the K.L.M. Airlines

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This wrist chronograph was originally developed for pilots and delivered to various countries; this piece was supplied to the Dutch airline K.L.M., which is indicated in the extract from the archives. It was produced in 1946 and is in excellent condition despite its age. The watch still has its original fluted ball shape crown, which was intended to enable winding the watch while wearing pilot's gloves. The large black dial with luminous Arabic numerals guarantees easy readability even in difficult conditions. The engraved scale on the inclined revolving bezel inside the crystal enlarges the case size further, for even better readability; it helps protect the watch from scratches and shocks. The watch is powered by the reliable in-house calibre 12.68Z with stop second functionality which is also used in the distinguished "hour angle"-pilot's watch. It is a direct ancestor of the legendary calibre 13ZN; the central position of the chronograph display presents a clear and harmonious balance. The register substitutes the usual small chronograph counter and the elapsed minutes are shown by a central red hand, an arrangement that lends the watch a breathtaking beauty.
Another example with an identical order number with an identical order number 23473 is illustrated and described in detail on page 138f in "Longines Watches" by John Goldberger/Giampiero Negretti, Ulm 2006. That watch also has the "NAV" engraving on the back. The picture in the original record from the archives shows that the watch was also originally delivered to the Netherlands.
The stunning combination of technical innovation, fabulous condition and originality make this watch an incredibly rare trophy.