52 Longines Extremely Fine and Very Important 13ZN Chronograph Wristwatch in Pink Gold, Reference 5161, Untouched Silver Dial With Multicolor Scales, Red Center Progressive Minutes Counter and Rectangular Pushers

Estimate: €90,000 –⁠ 200,000

Model: Chronograph
Material: Pink Gold
Reference N°: 5161
Year: 1948
Case N°: 7085447
Caliber: 13ZN
Movement type: Manual
Movement N°: 7085447
Bracelet: Leather Strap
Dimensions: 38.5 mm
Signed: Dial, case, movement
Accessories: Certificate
Literature: This specific watch is published in the LONGINES LEGENDARY WATCHES book on pages 408–409

During the history of watchmaking, many brands have dedicated themselves to the creation of cases of particular shape able to amaze and steal the heart of collector. Yet, often the feeling that manages to spur a high-level dial in many cases is absolutely incomparable. Moreover, if to this is added one of the most important calibers ever manufactured by a brand and a totally unusual configuration to express the chronometric registration, automatically that watch becomes an amazing piece. The Longines reference 5161 here offered is part of a very restricted circle of timepieces: the three body case with snap on back and stepped bezel has been realized in pink gold and preserved in surprising conditions. The massive lugs give strength and security, while the two rectangular buttons are new for a “double hand” of Longines as most of them are known with round buttons. This nickname comes from the red hand clearly visible at the center of the dial, which is the one in charge to allow the owner to control the registration of minutes with the aid of the internal scale for 60 minutes. Totally unconventional, this complication is moved by the caliber 13ZN, one of the most important, appreciated and totally in-house produced by Longines. The dial is a game of colors and shapes, with the argentè background nicely conserved, the blue tachymeter scale that recalls the blue of the steel chrono hand; the red telemeter scale which has the same brilliance as the large red chronograph minute hand. The second/minute scale that crosses its black lines with the auxiliary dials for constant seconds and 12 hours registration. And finally the gold of the hands that echoes that of the case. This watch is a mixture of elegance, beauty and complexity, a testimony of Longines skills in the field of chronographs.

Accompanied by the Longines Extract from the Archives confirming case, movement, production and subsequent sale on 3 March 1948 to the company Ostersetzer, which was at that time our agent for Italy.