Flyback Chronograph 30CH Ref. 6474

LONGINES, OVERSIZED STEEL FLYBACK CHRONOGRAPH

ICONEEK price: SOLD

Iconeek is very proud to introduce here one of our favorite vintage chronograph, the Ref. 6474 with flyback chronograph. The model is an extremely fine and rare 1950s large water-resistant stainless steel flyback chronograph wristwatch with luminous numerals

The model has a two-body construction, a large steel water-resistant tonneau-shaped case with downturned lugs and stepped bezel, plexy crystal, round chronograph pushers in the band, a screwed case back. Under the plexi crystal, an highly attractive original silvered matte dial, luminous Arabic numerals, luminous hands, outer fifth of a second combined with Arabic five minutes divisions, two engine turned subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 30 minutes register. Under the screwed case back, we find a caliber 30CH, mechanical movement, hand wound, rhodium-plated,  18 jewels, with column-wheel mechanism, monometallic balance with timing screws, self-compensating Breguet hairspring, shock-absorbers. The balance bridge is engraved « LXW », in fact Longines code for US importation. Caliber 30CH was introduced in 1947. Dial, case and movement are signed.

With Longines Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present watch with a 30CH calibre, and its subsequent sale on March,14th 1957 to the Company Longines-Wittnauer which was at the time their agent for the USA. The same model Ref. 6474-4, with case no. 22 made in 1955, is described and illustrated in Longines Watches, by John Goldberger, pages 258 &259, Edition Damiani 2006.

With its wonderfully preserved large case, original and nicely patinated dial, great movement, this rare and complex flyback timepiece deserve a place in every discerning collection.

An appealing collector !!!!

Condition: very good overall condition, nicely patinated and naturally spotted dial, original luminous material to the indexes and the hands, case with normal signs of wear, edges preserved, numbers on case back deeply engraved, a dent in the bezel at 1, movement in good condition and in working order, overhaul recommended.