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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Pilot's watch

1943 Longines Weems Pilot's Watch Ref. 22384

Partially verified

This 1943 Longines Weems pilot's watch, reference 22384, is a stainless steel wristwatch measuring 33.5mm in diameter. The timepiece incorporates a rotatable bezel with a locking mechanism operated by an additional crown positioned at 4 o'clock. This feature, patented in 1935, allowed pilots to synchronize the seconds hand with radio time signals without stopping the movement. The dial, signed "Longines" and marked "SWISS" at the 6 o'clock position, features Arabic numerals with radium luminescence and blued steel hands. The case back is of the snap-on variety. According to the auction description, the watch is currently supplied on a vintage two-piece tan canvas strap. The watch is reported to be keeping time, though its service history remains unknown.

Front-facing view of the 1943 Longines Weems pilot's watch showing the dial, hands, and external locking crown.
Front-facing view of the 1943 Longines Weems pilot's watch showing the dial, hands, and external locking crown. — Craft & Tailored. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
craftandtailored.com
Category
Wristwatch · Pilot's watch
Maker / attribution
Longines
Reference
22384
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
1943
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
652XXXX

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Bezel Construction

The watch features a stainless steel case measuring 33.5mm. It is fitted with a characteristic rotating bezel, which is designed to be locked in place via a secondary crown located at the 4 o'clock position on the case side. The auction description notes that the locking mechanism is present and that the crown is considered to be original to the watch.

The case back is a snap-on type. The overall condition of the steel case is described as excellent, with minimal evidence of polishing or wear relative to the age of the piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “The characteristic rotating bezel features the locking mechanism with an additional crown at 4 o'clock”
  • “the enamel in the bezel is no longer present”
  • “The snap-on case back is in excellent condition”

Dial and Hands

The watch features its original dial, which is simply signed with the Longines brand name. The dial displays an aged aesthetic with radium numerals that retain a dark tan patina. When evaluated under UV light, the dial shows consistent light degradation.

The blued steel hands have aged slightly lighter than the dial base. Inspection reveals that the hour hand shows no signs of degradation, while the minute hand exhibits some loss of luminous material, with the remaining lume reported as stable.

Evidence for this section
  • “The original dial, simply signed "Longines", features a lovely warmth”
  • “The radium numerals all remain intact, with a dark tan patina”
  • “the minute hand exhibits some lume loss, with its existing lume remaining stable”

Historical Context and Function

The Longines Weems model was developed in collaboration with U.S. Navy Captain Philip Van Horn Weems. The secondary crown and rotating bezel provided a specialized second-setting system, which enabled aviators to adjust the dial to radio signals without the need to stop the movement mechanism.

This system was patented in 1935 and was marketed as a necessity for celestial navigation during the mid-twentieth century. The watch is currently paired with a vintage two-piece tan canvas strap and is reported to maintain accurate time.

Evidence for this section
  • “Developed in collaboration with U.S. Navy Captain Philip Van Horn Weems”
  • “the "Weems" Longines introduced the revolutionary second-setting system, allowing pilots to synchronize with radio signals without halting the movement.”
  • “This innovation, patented in 1935, became indispensable for accurate navigation”

Open research questions

  • Is the watch movement caliber documented for serial number 652XXXX?
  • Does the current movement configuration include the specific hacking mechanism components originally intended for the Weems model?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for 1943 Longines Weems Pilot's Watch Ref. 22384
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLongines“Brand Longines”
Reference22384“Model 22384”
Case MaterialStainless Steel“Material Stainless Steel”
Serial Number652XXXX“Serial 652XXXX”
Dial DescriptionSilver "Aged"“Dial Silver "Aged”
Size33.5mm“Millimeters 33.5”

Visible details

  • External locking crown positioned at the 4 o'clock case side
  • Visible aging and patina on the radium luminous dial numerals
  • Rotatable bezel with engraved minute/second markings

Research qualifications

  • Enamel in the rotating bezel is no longer present
  • Previous service history is unknown to the vendor

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت مچی خلبانی Longines Weems مدل ۱۹۴۳، رفرنس 22384

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 2c4c9d46cf

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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