Longines, Oversized, steel STAYBRITE ref. 4303, 44mm, cal. 17.26, MILITARY and rare wristwatch
Manufacturer: Longines
Year: circa 1938
Reference No: 4303
Movement No: 5’52X’XXX (matching with case number)
Case No: 5’52X’XXX (matching with movement number)
Material: Stainless steel – Acier Inox STAYBRITE
Calibre: Manual, cal. 17.26, 15 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Leather
Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
Dimensions: 44mm. Diameter
Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Accessories: Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming the invoicing of the prensent watch to the company Zipper, which was Longines’ agent for Poland on 25 April 1938.
The present watch is a remarkable, oversized Longines reference 4303. It measures an impressive 44mm. diameter which was absolutely massive for a watch manufactured in the late 30s. Its unusual size and sober design leads us to confirm it to be a special order for the military. Research shows that this watch was sold by Zipper, Longines’ agent in Poland. Invoiced in 1938 this impressive watch that was most probably designed for pilots or to be used in night combat, displays a rare black tropical dial with what should have been very legible gilt Arabic numerals. With the effect of time, these numerals have taken a very pleasing gilt patina, which is very typical for the type of luminous painting used at that time, giving a very vintage aspect to the watch. The present watch is offered today in a very appealing and original condition. For enthusiasts of military type watches, this Longines is an extremely rare treasure that is certain to delight and excite.
The present watch is offered today in a very appealing and original condition. For enthusiasts of military type watches, this Longines is an extremely rare treasure that is certain to delight and excite.
There was a time when, before being luxury items, status symbols or collector’s objects, watches were necessary accessories for the equipment of soldiers and militaries. Before being preserved in secure safe boxes, these watches coexisted with explosions and shots, with rainy, windy or hail conditions. Given the difficult life most of these watches have spent, it is always difficult to find interesting pieces in good conditions but yet, it happens to make pleasant discoveries. Among the Switzerland’s largest manufacturers of timepieces is listed for sure Longines, which was an important supplier of wristwatches to militaries of multiple nations.
The offered wristwatch is a beautiful example equipped with the famous caliber 17.26. Its stainless steel STAYBRITE case has a strong and solid appearance: entirely made of steel, a cheaper and more resistant material. Signed black tropicalized dial, painted Arabic numerals, minutes track, subsidiary seconds dial and „Anti-Magnetique” writing. Luminescent skeletonized hands. It presents wire lugs in very good condition, snap on back, large bulbous crown.
Although it has presumably faced various warlike adversities (according to our research it took part in The Battle of Monte Cassino, was used by polish soldier), the watch still has excellent storage conditions. The dial reflects the typical characteristics of military quadrants: matte black tropicalized dial, large Arabic numerals with luminous material, seconds separated at six and large luminescent hands to easily indicate the time.
The charm that it is able to emanate is evident with the gilt color of the indexes and hands, the patina that with the passing of time has taken over the entire black background giving it an almost three-dimensional effect and the simplicity of the single Longines writing at hours 12. Rich in stories to tell and with a simple but extremely efficient style, this watch is a perfect object for every fan of rare war period timepieces.
