Description:
During the 1930s and 1940s, Longines established itself as one of the foremost manufacturers of wrist chronographs, producing timepieces celebrated for both their technical innovation and refined aesthetics. Among the manufacture’s most iconic creations stands the reference 4270, an exceptionally rare waterproof chronograph introduced in 1938 and immediately recognizable by its distinctive “mushroom” pushers, known among Italian collectors as “Pulsanti ad Ombrello”. Combining elegant proportions with highly advanced mechanics for the period, the model perfectly represents the golden age of Longines chronograph production.
The reference 4270 is fitted with the legendary manually wound caliber 13ZN, widely regarded as one of the greatest chronograph movements ever produced. Featuring the sophisticated flyback function, originally developed for aviation and professional timing purposes, the caliber allowed the chronograph hand to instantly reset and restart with a single push of the lower pusher. Together with its waterproof case construction and oversized proportions for the era, the reference 4270 remains today one of the most important and collectible vintage Longines chronographs.
The present example perfectly embodies the strong sporting character of the model. The large stainless steel case with stepped bezel retains the unmistakable design language of early waterproof chronographs, while the attractive black multiscale dial gives the watch an especially charismatic appearance.
Further enhancing its appeal, the watch is accompanied by its Longines Extract from the Archives confirming its production in 1938 and its delivery to Ostersetzer, Longines’ historical agent for Italy.