224 Longines Wonderfully Aged and Rare Military Pilot’s Single Button Flyback Chronograph Wristwatch in Steel, Nav. 83, Produced for the R.a.f.

Estimate: €15,000 –⁠ 30,000

Model: Flyback aviator's chronograph
Reference: 5824
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Bracelet Material: Leather strap
Year: 1947
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 1268Z
Case N°: 23473
Movement N°: 7255455
Dimensions: 47 mm
Signed: Case, dial, movement
Accessories: Extract from the Archives

The present piece is a remarkable and extremely well-preserved example of an aviator’s wristwatch from the mid-twentieth century produced for the R.A.F. It is clear that this watch for pilots for its very big size and highly legible dial. Considered the harsh condition such watches were subject to during their normal use, to find such an appealing and well-preserved example is nothing short of an exceptional. The stainless steel massive and huge case of 47 mm has been preserved amazingly by its last owners. The graduated revolving bezel is almost untouched, the curved lugs are thick even today and the large ball-shaped winding crown to allow the pilot to wind the watch with his gloves on is still the original one. The black finish dial maximizing the contrast with the white outer minute track, outermost 1/5 second scale and 60 minute-register graduation and the radium-coated Arabic numerals. The incredible conditions of this watch are further demonstrated by the case back bearing the initials: NAV 83. With the Longines Extract from the Archives confirming case, movement, production and subsequent sale on 8 July 1947 to the company Nederlandsche Horlogehendel, which was at that time our agent for the Netherlands.