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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Quartz wristwatch

Longines Li Quartz wrist watch

Partially verified

This Longines quartz wristwatch features a tonneau-shaped case with a gold-plated bezel and a stainless steel snap-on case back. The watch is powered by a quartz movement, described in the source as a 'Li Quartz' (Lithium) calibre. The dial is patinated and displays Roman numerals, a central railroad minute track, a central sweep seconds hand, and a date aperture. Measuring 37 mm in height and 33 mm in width, the watch is signed 'Li Quartz' on the dial. The case back is engraved with the word 'Lithium' and the serial number 20526337. According to the auction description, the watch belonged to General Charles de Gaulle, followed by Admiral Philippe de Gaulle and his descendants. The auction house advises that the movement requires a complete service to function.

The Longines quartz wristwatch shown with a handwritten note.
The Longines quartz wristwatch shown with a handwritten note. — Artcurial (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Wristwatch · Quartz wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Longines
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
341
Source-reported date
circa 1969
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
20526337

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 Dial Design

The watch features a tonneau-shaped case constructed from a gold-plated bezel and a steel base. The dial displays a patinated surface finished with Roman numeral hour markers. A railroad-style minute track is positioned centrally, and a window for the date is integrated into the dial layout. The presence of a central seconds hand provides standard timekeeping indication.

The case back, constructed of stainless steel, uses a pressure-fit closure. It is inscribed with the word 'lithium', referencing the battery chemistry, and the unique serial number of the object, 20526337.

Evidence for this section
  • “Boîtier tonneau, la lunette en métal doré, fond fermeture à pression portant la mention « Lithium » et numéroté « 20526337 ».”
  • “Cadran patiné avec chiffres romains, minuterie chemin de fer au centre, trotteuse centrale et date à guichet”

Movement and Technical Features

The movement is a quartz caliber labeled 'Li Quartz', identifying the use of lithium battery technology. The specific serial number for this unit is documented by the auction description as dating to approximately 1969.

As is often the case with legacy electronic movements, the auction house report recommends a complete professional service to restore proper mechanical operation to the watch, which has not been tested for current functionality.

Evidence for this section
  • “Li Quartz (Lithium) No. 20526337”
  • “Mouvement quartz (prévoir une révision complète).”
  • “notre exemple dont la numérotation correspond à l’année 1969.”

Provenance and History

The provenance of the watch is documented as originating with General Charles de Gaulle. Following his ownership, the object passed to his son, Admiral Philippe de Gaulle. It subsequently moved through the family's descendants.

The association with these figures is presented as the primary historical context for the object within the auction documentation.

Evidence for this section
  • “- Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970) - Puis l’amiral Philippe de Gaulle (1921-2024) - Puis descendance”

Open research questions

  • Can the serial number be definitively cross-referenced with Longines' internal records for a 1969 production date?
  • Is there photographic or documentary evidence of General de Gaulle wearing this specific watch?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Longines Li Quartz wrist watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLongines“LONGINES”
Serial Number20526337“20526337”
Case dimensions37 mm x 33 mm“H. : 37 mm l. : 33 mm”
Case materialGold-plated metal and stainless steel“métal doré et acier”
Movement typeQuartz“Mouvement quartz”
Dial detailsRoman numerals and railroad track“Cadran patiné avec chiffres romains, minuterie chemin de fer au centre”
ProvenanceGeneral Charles de Gaulle“Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970)”

Visible details

  • Tonneau-shaped case design
  • Date window located at the 3 o'clock position
  • Central sweep seconds hand
  • Snap-on stainless steel case back

Research qualifications

  • The source attributes the watch to General Charles de Gaulle, but no independent proof of provenance is provided.
  • The functionality of the quartz movement is not guaranteed and requires a complete service.

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

Consulted source

LONGINES Montre à quartz en métal doré et acier ayant appartenu au général de Gaulle

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 39ba62e594

Terms in this record

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

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