Description
With thick sides and an unusual twin-stepped flat bezel, the case design of this wristwatch is one that Longines incorporated into a few different references during the late 1930s and 1940s, these included both time-only and chronograph models. Despite its modest size (30.5mm diameter), the thickness and solidity of the case creates a bold look that gives the watch a surprising weight. The case itself was manufactured for Longines by one of the most refined vintage case makers: Taubert & Fils. From the late 19th Century (when it existed under the name Frères Borgel) Taubert & Fils was one of the finest Geneva based case makers and specialists in the manufacture of high quality dirt and moisture-resistant cases. The company’s case stamp of F.B. within a cartouche can be seen stamped to the inside of this watch’s case back. Taubert cases are of exceptional quality and were used by some of the finest makers, including Patek Philippe, for whom Taubert famously supplied the screw-back case for the chronograph reference, 1463. The handsomely configured dial has black painted Arabic numerals and blued steel hands – there is oxidation, patination and some light scuffs and scratches to the surface. We have fitted the watch with a Christopher Clarke for Black Bough handmade wild boar leather strap.
The Longines Archives confirm that this watch was originally invoiced on 5 February 1944 to the watchmaker’s agent in India, the West End Watch Company.
Specifications
[M] Longines calibre 10.68Z manually wound movement, lever escapement, 15 jewels, compensation balance, 18,000 BPH
[D] silvered dial, black Arabic numerals, blued steel hands, outer minute ring, signed ‘West End Watch Co’ & ‘Bijou’ in red text
[C] steel case, polished flat stepped bezel, down-turned lugs, fixed bar lugs, plain crown
[S] movement signed Longines, case with Longines numbering, dial and case signed West End Watch Co., case further stamped for Taubert Fils
Measurements
30.5mm diameter excluding winding crown
38mm length including lugs
11mm depth to centre of crystal
16.5mm strap width/lug gauge
Accompaniments
Longines confirmation email of archive entry
One Year Guarantee – serviced by a Longines approved service centre
Black Bough box and Black Bough certificate
£885.00 [Sold]