Description:
LONGINES CHRONOGRAPH 13ZN YELLOW GOLD GIUDICI MILANO REF.3756
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 the era. Caliber 13ZN has a diameter of 29.80 mm (13 1/4 lignes) and a height of 6.05 mm. The plate is of the Lepine type with 6 bridges and 18 jewels. The movement has a column wheel, a flyback function and a balance wheel with 18,000 vibrations per hour. Models made after 1938 were also equipped with an anti-shock system. Movement finishes were of two types: with galvanic gold or rhodium plating depending on year of manufacture. The 13ZN was used for a few years and then replaced by the caliber 30ch in the late 40’s. Longines chronographs equipped with the 13zn are undoubtedly marvels of vintage watchmaking art and highly sought after by collectors, if they are in exceptional condition like the present specimen.
The present Longines chronograph 13zn is certainly one of the most attractive specimens currently available on the market. The exclusivity of this watch is further emphasized by the double signature on the dial. Besides Longines, here you can also find the signature “Giudici Milano”, a very famous multi-brand retailer in Milan, which no longer exists. Watches with double signature are very rare, only very few 13zn watches appeared with double signed dials. The dial is not only double signed, but also has the peculiarity of being “Sandwich”. A “Sandwich” dial is made of two layers welded together by feet at 3, 6, 9 and 12, creating a three-dimensional effect. The overall conditions are exceptional, case, dial, movement, caseback are original and with a wonderful uniform patina that give even more charm to this very rare watch. The watch is completely matching in every of his component.
Serial number 5,785, XX, watch accompanied by Longines archive extract confirming the year of production and serial number.