146 Longines Unusual Oversized and Historically Important Wittnauer Pilot’s Wristwatch in Silver With Weems Second Setting System

Estimate: €15,000 –⁠ 30,000

Model: Weems
Reference: 4356
Case Material: Silver
Bracelet Material: Leather strap
Year: 1938
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 37.9
Case N°: 38332
Movement N°: 5701380
Dimensions: 47 mm
Signed: Case, dial, movement
Accessories: Extract from the archives

This oversized watch might be a bit uncomfortable nowadays given the 47 mm in diameter but has to be considered that this watch has to be worn over an aviator suit and handled with very bulky gloves. Giving this, there’s another important and distinctive characteristic of the “Weems” and is the large ball-sized winding crown, allowing a pilot to rewind the movement without taking off the gloves. The present watch is very particular since it has been manufactured in silver has confirmed by the hallmarks. The silver hinged cuvette has been really well preserved still very clean and reflective. On the whole case is spreading a logical oxidation that adds much charm to the present timepiece. The two-tone dial with white enamel chapter ring and silvered rotating inner disc to set the time in seconds shows Breguet numerals blued steel moon hands. A true “time capsule” piece, its pristine state of preservation makes it a trophy watch for the connoisseur. Accompanied by the Longines Extract from the Archives confirming case, movement, production and subsequent sale on 29 July 1938 to the company Longines – Wittnauer Company, Inc., which was at that time our agent for the USA.