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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Longines Ref. 5966 Stainless Steel Flyback Chronograph Wristwatch

Partially verified

This is a Longines stainless steel manual-winding flyback chronograph wristwatch, reference 5966, catalogued to circa 1952. The case measures 37 mm in diameter and comes fitted with rectangular pushers, an unsigned crown, and a stainless steel buckle. Its silvered dial features applied hour markers, Arabic numerals at 12 and 6, and two subsidiary dials recording constant seconds and a 30-minute interval, surrounded by telemeter and tachymeter tracks. The case back bears reference number 5982/1 alongside a period presentation engraving honoring Leopold Lognay spanning 1937–1952.

Front view of Longines Ref. 5966 stainless steel flyback chronograph wristwatch
Front view of Longines Ref. 5966 stainless steel flyback chronograph wristwatch — Christie's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
onlineonly.christies.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Longines
Reference
5966
Catalogue / lot identifier
343
Source-reported date
circa 1952
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
8’321’691

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 Archival Provenance

This Longines stainless steel chronograph wristwatch is catalogued under reference 5966 with a stated date of circa 1952. The case back is documented under number 5982/1, while the movement bears serial number 8’321’691.

Accompanying documentation includes an extract from the archives confirming a sale in 1952 and showing reference 5966. The cataloguing records that neither original presentation box nor standard guarantee papers are present.

Evidence for this section
  • “REF. 5966”
  • “CIRCA: 1952”
  • “CASE BACK NO: 5982/1”
  • “MOVEMENT NO: 8’321’691”
  • “WITH: Extract from the archives confirming a sale in 1952 and show the reference 5966”
  • “BOX: No PAPERS: No”

Case Construction and Presentation Inscription

The stainless steel case measures 37 mm in diameter. It is observed with rectangular chronograph pushers and a fluted winding crown on the case band, which the condition report describes as unsigned.

The case back carries an engraved presentation inscription reading ‘SYMETAIN A M LEOPOLD LOGNAY 1937-1952’. The condition report notes wear, scratches, and dents to the case, along with wear over the engraved case back.

Evidence for this section
  • “CASE MATERIAL: Stainless steel”
  • “CASE DIAMETER: 37 mm.”
  • “Fitted with rectangular chronograph pushers and a fluted crown on the right side of the stainless steel case.”
  • “The crown is unsigned.”
  • “The case back shows signs of wear and engraving: ‘SYMETAIN A M LEOPOLD LOGNAY 1937-1952’.”

Dial Display and Component Integrity

The watch features a silvered dial with applied hour markers, Arabic numerals at 12 and 6, and two subsidiary dials positioned at 9 o'clock for continuous seconds and 3 o'clock for a 30-minute register. Concentric scales around the perimeter comprise an inner telemeter track and an outer tachymeter scale.

According to the condition report, the dial is described in seller reporting as in very good condition, but the hand of the counters and the chronograph hand were noted as probably replaced during a prior service.

Evidence for this section
  • “DIAL: Silvered”
  • “Silvered dial with Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 alongside baton indexes.”
  • “Two subsidiary dials displaying continuous seconds at 9 o'clock and a 30-minute register at 3 o'clock.”
  • “Concentric scales on the dial perimeter including an inner telemeter track and an outer tachymeter scale.”
  • “The hand of the counters and the hand of the chronograph were probably replaced during a service.”

Movement and Operational Notes

The timepiece is powered by a manual-winding movement catalogued with chronograph and flyback functionality. Specific movement caliber designations are not recorded in this source.

At the time of cataloguing, the auction house reported that the movement was ticking and all functions were operating, though a service was recommended and future timekeeping or operation is not guaranteed.

Evidence for this section
  • “MOVEMENT: Manual”
  • “LONGINES, STAINLESS STEEL FLYBACK CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH, REF. 5966,”
  • “FUNCTIONS: Chronograph”
  • “The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing and all functions are working; however, a service is recommended.”

Open research questions

  • What specific caliber (e.g., caliber 30CH or caliber 13ZN) is installed under movement number 8’321’691?
  • Why does the case back record number 5982/1 while the archive extract designates reference 5966?
  • What is the corporate background and history of the 'Symetain' presentation to Leopold Lognay spanning 1937–1952?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Longines Ref. 5966 Stainless Steel Flyback Chronograph Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference5966“REF. 5966”
Case MaterialStainless steel“CASE MATERIAL: Stainless steel”
Case Diameter37 mm“CASE DIAMETER: 37 mm.”
Movement Number8’321’691“MOVEMENT NO: 8’321’691”
Case Back Number5982/1“CASE BACK NO: 5982/1”
Movement TypeManual“MOVEMENT: Manual”
Case Back EngravingSYMETAIN A M LEOPOLD LOGNAY 1937-1952“‘SYMETAIN A M LEOPOLD LOGNAY 1937-1952’”
Buckle MaterialStainless steel“BUCKLE: Stainless steel”
Accompanying DocumentationExtract from the archives“WITH: Extract from the archives confirming a sale in 1952 and show the reference 5966”
Box and PapersNo box, no papers“BOX: No PAPERS: No”

Visible details

  • Silvered dial with Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 alongside baton indexes.
  • Two subsidiary dials displaying continuous seconds at 9 o'clock and a 30-minute register at 3 o'clock.
  • Concentric scales on the dial perimeter including an inner telemeter track and an outer tachymeter scale.
  • Fitted with rectangular chronograph pushers and a fluted crown on the right side of the stainless steel case.
  • Attached to a black textured leather strap.

Research qualifications

  • Condition notes state the hands for the counters and the chronograph were probably replaced during service.
  • The case back engraving and movement are not visible in the provided image.

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

Consulted source

LONGINES, STAINLESS STEEL FLYBACK CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH, REF. 5966, | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 5fb9fdf4da

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

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