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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Purse watch

Longines Purse Watch

Partially verified

This Longines purse watch, numbered 4924880, originates from Switzerland and dates to approximately 1930. The object is a silver keyless purse watch designed in a match-box configuration, featuring a two-piece rectangular case with a spring-loaded mechanism that releases the watch when the top is slid. The case exterior is finished with black lacquer and decorated with a prominent red triangle on each side, complemented by a white mosaic band near the top. The watch dial is two-tone matte silver, displaying luminous Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial, accompanied by blued steel hands. It is powered by the Calibre 10.26, a 15-jewel rhodium-plated movement with fausses côtes decoration, a straight-line lever escapement, and a cut bimetallic compensation balance. The object includes an original fitted folding case that functions as a stand for desk use.

Longines Art Deco purse watch in its original fitted folding stand.
Longines Art Deco purse watch in its original fitted folding stand. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Purse watch
Maker / attribution
Longines
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
123
Source-reported date
circa 1930
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
4924880

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 object is housed in a rectangular, two-piece silver case designed in the form of a match-box. The housing utilizes a spring-loaded release mechanism, where the watch is deployed by sliding the top of the case. The decorative scheme is characterized by black lacquer surfaces, accented by red triangular motifs on the sides and a band of white mosaic material applied around the top section of the exterior.

The dial is rendered in a two-tone matte silver finish, featuring Arabic numerals filled with luminous material. Timekeeping displays include an outer minute track and a dedicated subsidiary seconds dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “Two piece, rectangular, the spring loaded watch released by sliding the top of the case, decorated with black lacquer and a red triangle on each side a band of white mosaic around the top.”
  • “Two-tone matte silver with luminous Arabic numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary seconds. Luminous blued steel hands.”

Movement and Escapement

The movement is identified as the Longines Calibre 10.26, a rhodium-plated mechanical unit containing 15 jewels. The finish of the bridges and plates features a fausses côtes pattern. The escapement is a straight-line lever design, paired with a cut bimetallic compensation balance to regulate the watch.

Technical control is managed through an index regulator and a blued steel flat balance spring. The movement is signed by the manufacturer, as is the dial, confirming the production provenance of the watch assembly.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 10.26, rhodium plated movement, fausses côtes decoration, 15 jewels, straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel flat balance spring, index regulator.”
  • “Dial and movement signed.”

Accessories and Condition

The watch is accompanied by an original fitted folding leather case, which allows the watch to be positioned upright as a desk timepiece.

Regarding mechanical status, the auction documentation provides a grading system for the various components.

Evidence for this section
  • “Accompanied by the original Longines fitted folding case forming a stand for desk use.”
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good Case: 3 Good Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense Dial: 3-01 Good HANDS Original”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific composition of the white mosaic material used on the case?
  • Does the serial number 4924880 correspond to a documented production series of purse watches from the 1930s?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Longines Purse Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLongines“Longines”
Serial Number4924880“No. 4924880”
Movement Calibre10.26“Cal. 10.26”
Dimensions45 x 32 x 12 mm“DIM. 45 x 32 x 12 mm”
Jewels15“15 jewels”
Case typeTwo piece rectangular“Two piece, rectangular”
Datecirca 1930“Made circa 1930”

Visible details

  • The watch is partially extended from the match-box style case within the folding stand.
  • The red triangular decorative element is clearly visible on the front of the case.
  • The dial shows the Longines brand name below the 12 o'clock numeral.
  • The outer housing features the word 'LONGINES' embossed or imprinted on the lower edge.

Research qualifications

  • The exact composition of the white mosaic material is not specified beyond the description of white mosaic.
  • The auction house recommends an overhaul, which implies current mechanical uncertainty.

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

Consulted source

LONGINES ART DECO PURSE WATCH Longines, Swiss, No. 4924880. Made circa 1930. Fine and rare, silver and lacquer keyless Art-Deco purse watch designed as a match-box. Accompanied by the original Longines fitted folding case forming a stand for desk use.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 4fb9c842d7

Terms in this record

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

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