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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Monopusher chronograph wristwatch

Longines Monopusher Chronograph

Partially verified

This Longines chronograph wristwatch, serial number 4869973, dates to the 1920s and is constructed with an 18 ct. gold case. The watch features a single pusher integrated into the crown to operate the chronograph functions. The dial is white enamel and includes a 30-minute recorder and a subsidiary seconds register, marked with Arabic numerals. The hands are fashioned from blued steel in the Breguet style. Powering the watch is a 13-line rhodium-plated movement, which incorporates a lever escapement and a bimetallic balance with a Breguet overcoil hairspring. The case diameter is 35 mm. The dial, case, and movement are each marked by the maker. The watch is presented with a hinged case back and dust cover, and is fitted with fixed wire-style lugs. The overall condition is described by the auction report as good.

Front view of the Longines monopusher chronograph in an 18 ct. gold case.
Front view of the Longines monopusher chronograph in an 18 ct. gold case. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Monopusher chronograph wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Longines
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
43
Source-reported date
1920s
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
4869973

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

The watch is housed in an 18 ct. gold case measuring 35 mm in diameter. It features a polished finish with prominent wire-style lugs for the strap. The construction includes both a hinged case back and an internal hinged dust cover. The watch is operated via a single push-piece coaxially mounted within the winding crown.

The white enamel dial displays Arabic hour numerals and two subsidiary dials: one for continuous seconds and the other serving as a 30-minute chronograph recorder. The time is indicated by blued steel hands in the Breguet style. The auction description notes that the enamel dial exhibits a hairline crack.

Evidence for this section
  • “C. massiccia, con anse a staffa, lucida, fondello e controfondello incernierati.”
  • “Q. in smalto bianco ( filato), con cifre arabe + quadrantini per i secondi e contatore a 30'”
  • “Lancette "Breguet" in acciaio brunito.”

Movement and Escapement

The chronograph is powered by a 13-line rhodium-plated movement containing 17 jewels. The technical specification includes a lever escapement. Regulation is controlled by a bimetallic balance wheel, which is paired with a Breguet-style overcoil hairspring. The movement is signed by the manufacturer.

The movement is configured for single-button chronograph functionality, which controls the start, stop, and reset functions through the crown mechanism, allowing the user to manage the 30-minute counter displayed on the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. 13- rodiato, 17 rubini, scappamento ad ancora, bilancere bimetallico con spirale Breguet.”
  • “cronografo monopulsante coassiale alla corona”

Signatures and Condition

The Longines signature is applied to the dial, and the individual components of the watch, specifically the dial, case, and movement, bear corresponding manufacturer marks. The watch carries the serial number 4869973.

Regarding its physical state, the auction description provides a general assessment, classifying the watch as being in good condition at the time of the report.

Evidence for this section
  • “Quadrante, cassa e movimento marcati.”
  • “In buone condizioni.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific caliber designation for the 13-line movement?
  • Can the manufacture date be narrowed down from the '1920s' via the serial number record?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Longines Monopusher Chronograph
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLongines“Longines”
Serial Number4869973“No. 4869973”
Date1920s“anni '20”
Case Material18 ct. gold“in oro 18 ct.”
Movement13-line, rhodium-plated, 17 jewels“M. 13- rodiato, 17 rubini”
Case Diameter35 mm“Diam: 35 mm”
Dial DescriptionWhite enamel with Arabic numerals and subsidiary registers“Q. in smalto bianco ( filato), con cifre arabe + quadrantini per i secondi e contatore a 30'”
EscapementLever escapement“scappamento ad ancora”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with a visible hairline crack
  • Blued steel Breguet-style hands
  • Hinged case back and internal dust cover
  • Single chronograph pusher located within the winding crown

Research qualifications

  • The dial is described as having a hairline crack
  • The country of manufacture is not explicitly stated in the source

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

Consulted source

Longines, No. 4869973, anni '20. Raro ed elegante orologio da polso, per uomo, in oro 18 ct., cronografo monopulsante coassiale alla corona e contatore.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record cefe57742e

Terms in this record

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

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