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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Longines Ref. 5824 Chronostop oversized pilot's flyback chronograph wristwatch

Partially verified

This Longines reference 5824 Chronostop is an oversized pilot's flyback chronograph wristwatch dated to 1958. Encased in 47mm stainless steel, the watch is powered by the 17-jewel manual-wind calibre 12.68Z featuring central chronograph registers and a subsidiary seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. The source reports it was invoiced on 11 April 1958 to Longines' Tel-Aviv agent Scharfstein and issued to Israeli Air Force fighter pilot Baruch Halachmi, bearing military issue stamps on the caseback. Visual elements include a black dial with luminous Arabic numerals, a rotating calibrated bezel, a prominent fluted onion crown at 3 o'clock, and a round pusher at 2 o'clock.

Front view of Longines Ref. 5824 Chronostop showing black dial, rotating bezel, onion crown, and 2 o'clock pusher
Front view of Longines Ref. 5824 Chronostop showing black dial, rotating bezel, onion crown, and 2 o'clock pusher — Phillips. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
phillips.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Longines
Reference
5824
Catalogue / lot identifier
94
Source-reported date
1958
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
9'938'976

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

Identity and Case Construction

This Longines reference 5824, catalogued as a Chronostop pilot's wristwatch, features a stainless steel case measuring 47mm in diameter. Direct visual observation reveals a revolving wide steel bezel engraved with calibrated track markers and numerals, an oversized fluted onion crown positioned at 3 o'clock, and a single cylindrical pusher at 2 o'clock.

The catalog lists the piece as signed on the case, dial, and movement. The caseback is source-reported to be stamped with the Hebrew inscription 'ח.א.' (abbreviation for the Israeli Air Force) followed by issue number 540; however, this caseback marking is not visible in the provided primary front-facing photograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dimensions 47mm Diameter”
  • “Revolving wide steel bezel engraved with calibrated track markers and numerals.”
  • “Oversized fluted onion crown positioned at 3 o'clock and a single cylindrical pusher at 2 o'clock.”
  • “Signed Case, dial and movement signed”
  • “Case No Caseback stamped ח.א. (abbreviation for the Israeli Airforce) followed by issue number 540”

Dial and Timing Display

Visual examination confirms a matte black dial marked with luminous Arabic numerals, an inner track calibrated to 60 units, and a subsidiary dial located at 6 o'clock. The central hand assembly comprises a red-tipped chronograph hand and an additional central register hand.

The auction essay describes the watch as operating with central chronograph registers. It states that the pusher at 2 o'clock serves two functions: pressing it lightly stops the chronograph mechanism, while depressing it further resets the chronograph.

Evidence for this section
  • “Matte black dial with luminous Arabic numerals, inner track calibrated to 60 units, and subdial at 6 o'clock.”
  • “Central hands include a red-tipped chronograph hand and an additional central register hand.”
  • “it furthermore features central chronographic registers disposition”
  • “pusher at 2 o’clock has two functions: if pressed lightly, it stops the chronograph - thus allowing for accurate readings - and further depressing it resets the chronograph”

Movement and Archival Documentation

The movement is identified in the catalog specifications as a manual-wind calibre 12.68Z with 17 jewels, bearing movement number 9'938'976. As the movement is not visible in the provided image, internal condition, finishing, and movement markings remain unverified by direct observation.

According to the catalog, an accompanying Longines Extract from the Archives confirms the watch was invoiced on 11 April 1958 to Scharfstein, their agent in Tel-Aviv at the time. The lot is further reported to be accompanied by flight logs and a letter from Israeli Air Force fighter pilot Baruch Halachmi outlining his career.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement No 9'938'976”
  • “Calibre Manual, cal. 12.68Z, 17 jewels”
  • “Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives confirming the present watch was invoiced on 11 April 1958 to the company Scharfstein, which was their agent in Tel-Aviv at the time.”
  • “Further accompanied by a letter from Baruch Halachmi describing his career as an airforce pilot as well as his flight logs”

Open research questions

  • What specific inner caseback signatures and reference stamps are present inside the case?
  • Does the physical movement calibre 12.68Z bear military issue or adjustment markings alongside serial number 9'938'976?
  • What specific aircraft types and operational sorties are documented in Baruch Halachmi's accompanying flight logs?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Longines Ref. 5824 Chronostop oversized pilot's flyback chronograph wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference5824“Reference No 5824”
Movement Number9'938'976“Movement No 9'938'976”
CalibreManual, cal. 12.68Z, 17 jewels“Calibre Manual, cal. 12.68Z, 17 jewels”
Dimensions47mm Diameter“Dimensions 47mm Diameter”
Case InscriptionCaseback stamped ח.א. followed by issue number 540“Case No Caseback stamped ח.א. (abbreviation for the Israeli Airforce) followed by issue number 540”
Invoiced Date11 April 1958“invoiced on 11 April 1958 to the company Scharfstein”
Clasp/BuckleStainless steel pin buckle“Clasp/Buckle Stainless steel pin buckle”
Strap MaterialLeather“Bracelet/Strap Leather”
Auction ResultCHF 47,500“Sold For CHF47,500”

Visible details

  • Matte black dial with luminous Arabic numerals, inner track calibrated to 60 units, and subdial at 6 o'clock.
  • Central hands include a red-tipped chronograph hand and an additional central register hand.
  • Revolving wide steel bezel engraved with calibrated track markers and numerals.
  • Oversized fluted onion crown positioned at 3 o'clock and a single cylindrical pusher at 2 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • The caseback Hebrew military inscription (ח.א. 540) and internal movement are not visible in the provided primary photograph.
  • Provenance to pilot Baruch Halachmi and invoice details are source-reported via archive extracts and accompanying documentation.

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

Consulted source

Longines The Geneva Watch Auction: XI

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record d3a18d90f4

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

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