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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Movement · Competition chronometer movement in aluminum testing case

Longines Competition Chronometer Movement

Partially verified

This object is a competition chronometer wristwatch movement by Longines, dating to circa 1960. The movement is fitted within a rectangular aluminum testing case measuring 70 x 70 mm. The caliber features 21 jewels, a rhodium-plated finish, and a straight-line lever escapement. Technical features include an anibal-brass Guillaume balance and a specialized alloy Breguet balance spring, complemented by an anti-shock device. The dial is marked "Longines Chronometre." The aluminum housing is identified as a container for wristwatches submitted to observatory contests, a practice maintained by the company to preserve the movement following competition. The movement is serial number 12172995, and the overall condition is reported as very good.

Front view of the Longines competition movement in its aluminum testing case.
Front view of the Longines competition movement in its aluminum testing case. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Movement · Competition chronometer movement in aluminum testing case
Maker / attribution
Longines
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
209
Source-reported date
Circa 1960
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
12172995

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

Movement and Technical Specifications

The movement is a rhodium-plated caliber measuring 35 x 22 mm and is equipped with 21 jewels. It utilizes a straight-line lever escapement that incorporates end stones across the entire assembly. The balance system comprises an anibal-brass Guillaume balance coupled with a special alloy Breguet balance spring. An anti-shock device is also present.

The caliber operates at a high frequency, described in the source as a very fast train with an estimated rate of 36,000 vibrations per hour. The construction reflects the requirements for precision timing during competition trials, incorporating high-grade finishing consistent with components developed for observatory contests.

Evidence for this section
  • “rhodium-plated, 21 jewels, straight line lever escapement”
  • “anibal-brass Guillaume balance with special alloy Breguet balance spring, anti-shock device”
  • “very fast train (probably 36,000 b/h)”
  • “end stones on the entire escapement”

Case and Presentation

The movement is presented in a purpose-built aluminum testing case measuring 70 x 70 mm. The case features a distinctive square profile with a central circular recess designed to securely house the watch movement.

The source indicates that the company maintained the movement in this specific aluminum container following the completion of competitive trials. This protective arrangement served to preserve the movement in its testing configuration.

Evidence for this section
  • “Aluminum testing case.”
  • “70 X 70 mm.”
  • “The aluminum case is typical oh those companies submitted wristwatches for the observatory contests.”
  • “After the competition the company apparently kept it in its original aluminum contest case.”

Signatures and Condition

The dial and movement are both signed by Longines, with the dial bearing the specific inscription "Longines Chronometre." The movement serial number is recorded as 12172995.

The provided documentation attributes the object to the period circa 1960. It notes that the company began producing high-quality wristwatches following the Second World War, winning the Geneva Observatory Contest in 1947, and describes the present movement as a continuation of this tradition.

Evidence for this section
  • “Signature Dial and movement”
  • “Movement No. 12172995”
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “Year Circa 1960”

Open research questions

  • Which specific observatory trials was this movement submitted to?
  • What is the specific movement caliber number for this 35 x 22 mm movement?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Longines Competition Chronometer Movement
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement Serial Number12172995“12172995”
Case MaterialAluminum“Aluminum testing case.”
Caliber Dimensions35 x 22 mm“35 x 22 mm.”
EscapementStraight line lever escapement“straight line lever escapement”
Jewel Count21 jewels“21 jewels”
BalanceAnibal-brass Guillaume balance“anibal-brass Guillaume balance”
Case Dimensions70 x 70 mm“70 X 70 mm.”
Condition ReportVery good“Grading System Grade: AA Very good”

Visible details

  • Rectangular aluminum testing case with recessed central circular opening
  • White dial with subsidiary seconds and blue hands
  • Movement serial number 12172995 visible on the bridge
  • Rhodium-plated movement finishing with visible jewel settings

Research qualifications

  • The vibration rate of 36,000 b/h is described by the source as "probably," not verified
  • Exact provenance of the movement's observatory trial participation is not documented

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

Consulted source

“OBSERVATORY TRIALS”

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 3aa3606bf9

Terms in this record

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