Longines 13ZN Flyback

 Extended note:

Delivered to Brasil in 1938, this pre ww2 gold chronograph has everything: a super movement, a twin layer ream dial, a flyback chronograph, multiple color scales, an oversized case, a perfect balance between elegancy and sportiness. Longines  introduced the “sandwich” dial in their world renowned Chronograph 13ZN in 1936. Dials were produced by the famous dial manufacturer Stern Frères in Geneva, who patented this type of dial in January 1935, patent no. CH182122.

The model has a three-body construction: an oversized 37.5 mm diameter 18K yellow gold tonneau-shaped case with downturned lugs, rectangular chronograph buttons, solid snap on gold case back, snap on bezel with flat top (Calatrava style). The size between the lugs is 20 mm. Under the plexiglass, a mint cream color, refreshed at the manufactory, sandwich dial, with skeletonized baton indexes and Arabic 12,6 numerals, black minute and 1/5th second railway division with painted radial 5-minute Arabic numerals, concentric red telemeter scale, outermost blue tachymeter scale, gold Feuille hands, blued steel chronograph hand, two subsidiary guilloche dials for the constant second at 9 and the 30-minute register at 3. Under the solid gold snap on case back , we discover a caliber Longines 13ZN, gilt-finished, straight line lever escapement,17 jewels, self-compensating Breguet hairspring, monometallic balance with timing screws, index regulator, column-wheel chronograph mechanism. Dial, case and movement are signed.

According to the Archives of Montres Longines Francillon SA, the present watch was sold on October, 27th 1938 to the Company Perret,  agent for Bresil. It was fitted with a Longines calibre 13ZN movement, introduced into the market in 1936.

Condition: 9/10, great overall condition, dial very well refreshed, movement in good condition, a superb early chronograph’s wristwatch!