Description:
LONGINES CHRONOGRAPH 13ZN “DOPPIA LANCETTA” REF. 5699
In the mid-1930s, Longines developed the 13zn, which would later become one of the most famous chronograph calibers in the world. According to many connoisseurs of vintage watchmaking, it is one of, if not the most elaborate and valuable in-house caliber of that era. The 13ZN caliber was used for several years and then replaced by the 30ch. Longines chronographs equipped with the 13zn are undoubtedly marvels of vintage watchmaking. Among the most famous of these chronographs is undoubtedly the so-called Longines “Doppia Lancetta”, which means “Two Hands” in English. The watch is equipped with two central chronograph hands that indicate both the seconds and minutes, suppressing the minute register. The 13zn Chronograph “Doppia Lancetta” was produced in various versions in steel and gold. One of the most popular models is certainly reference 5699 like the present specimen. With its bold, oversized and water-resistant case, it is certainly one of the most sought-after 13zn wristwatches.
The present Longines Chronograph 13ZN “Doppia Lancetta” is a very honest and well preserved example of the famous reference 5699. In all matching original conditions and never restored, the watch comes with a most likely unpolished case, a very clean movement and a strong patina dial with some luminescent loss on the hands. All components are correct and match including the engravings on the case back and lugs.
The watch comes with a Longines Extract from the Archives confirming the serial number, reference and 1948 as the year of production.
Serial Number 6,989,XXX, Year 1948.