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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Marine chronometer · Gimballed deck watch

Longines Marine Chronometer Deck Watch in Wood Box

Partially verified

According to the auction catalog, this vintage Longines marine chronometer ship's deck watch is mounted in a brass gimbal suspension within a brass-bound mahogany box. The case features brass corner reinforcement mounts, an inset Longines medallion on the exterior lid, and houses a winding key. The white enamel dial is reported to be signed Longines and features Arabic numeral hour markers, blued steel hands, a subsidiary seconds dial, and an up/down power reserve indicator. The underside of the watch casing is stamped with the number 253.

Oblique view of the Longines deck watch mounted in a brass gimbal within an open mahogany box
Oblique view of the Longines deck watch mounted in a brass gimbal within an open mahogany box — Hill Auction Gallery. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.liveauctioneers.com
Category
Marine chronometer · Gimballed deck watch
Maker / attribution
Longines
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
0033
Source-reported date
Not established
Country
Not established
Source-reported serial
253

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

Object Identity and Mounting

The lot consists of a vintage Longines marine chronometer ship's deck watch. It is contained within a brass-bound mahogany case featuring brass corner mounts and an inset Longines medallion on the lid.

The watch is mounted in a brass gimbal assembly inside the box. A winding key is included with the item, secured within the case.

Evidence for this section
  • “Longines vintage marine chronometer ship's deck watch housed in a brass-bound mahogany case with brass corner mounts, an inset Longines medallion to the lid, and a brass gimbal suspension.”
  • “The movement is mounted within a brass gimbal assembly and includes a winding key secured inside the case.”

Dial Configuration

The timepiece features a white enamel dial signed by Longines. The dial includes black Arabic numeral hour markers and blued steel hands.

Additional dial features reported include a subsidiary seconds dial and an up/down power reserve indicator.

Evidence for this section
  • “The white enamel dial is signed Longines and features black Arabic numeral hour markers, blued steel hands, a subsidiary seconds dial, and an up/down power reserve indicator.”

Identification and Provenance

The underside of the watch casing is stamped with the number '253'.

The source documentation notes that the item retains a Christie's auction tag from a 1997 sale and an Auktionen Muser auction tag.

Evidence for this section
  • “The underside of the watch is stamped "253."”
  • “Provenance: retains a Christie's auction tag from a 1997 sale and an Auktionen Muser auction tag.”

Open research questions

  • Does the stamped number '253' correlate with a known Longines serial production record?
  • Can the referenced Christie's and Auktionen Muser tags provide specific lot history or original sale context?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Longines Marine Chronometer Deck Watch in Wood Box
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLongines“The white enamel dial is signed Longines”
Case MaterialBrass-bound mahogany“housed in a brass-bound mahogany case with brass corner mounts”
MountingBrass gimbal suspension“The movement is mounted within a brass gimbal assembly”
Dial FeaturesArabic numerals, subsidiary seconds, power reserve“features black Arabic numeral hour markers, blued steel hands, a subsidiary seconds dial, and an up/down power reserve indicator.”
Stamped Number253“The underside of the watch is stamped "253."”
Dimensions4.5 X 5 X 5 in.“Dimensions: 4.5 X 5 X 5 in.”

Visible details

  • Hinged mahogany box propped open with an interior brass stay, displaying the brass-cased deck watch inside its gimbal mounting.
  • A brass keyhole escutcheon is visible on the front panel of the wooden box.
  • A circular brass fitting is inset into the interior underside of the box lid.
  • Brass corner bracket mounts are visible on the side and lid edges of the wooden box.

Research qualifications

  • The movement and the reported stamped marking '253' are not visible in the photograph.
  • The dial details are viewed obliquely at a distance.
  • The auction house notes functionality and timekeeping were not tested.

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

Consulted source

Longines Marine Chronometer Deck Watch In Wood Box - Sep 16, 2026 | Hill Auction Gallery In Fl

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 52425ef1d3

Terms in this record

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