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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Navigation wristwatch

Longines Weems Second-Setting wristwatch, circa 1930s

Partially verified

This vintage Longines Weems Second-Setting navigational wristwatch dates to circa the 1930s (the seller also notes circa 1937). Based on the navigation concept devised by Captain Philip van Horn Weems, the watch measures 27.5 mm across and features a 10K yellow gold-filled case. A bi-directional rotating bezel is locked by a secondary crown located at 2 o'clock, alongside the winding crown at 3 o'clock. The matte silver dial features Arabic numerals, gold hands, and an outer seconds track. The seller reports it is powered by a 15-jewel manual-wind Longines Calibre 10L (10.68 Z) movement.

Front view of the Longines Weems Second-Setting wristwatch on a brown leather strap
Front view of the Longines Weems Second-Setting wristwatch on a brown leather strap — Vintage Watch Specialist. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
vintagewatchspecialist.com
Category
Wristwatch · Navigation wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Longines
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1930s
Country
Switzerland

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 Design Context

The source describes this item as a vintage Longines Weems "Second-Setting" navigational wristwatch dating to circa the 1930s, while also listing it in the title as circa 1937. According to the seller, the model is based on the navigation system devised by Captain Philip van Horn Weems and measures 27.5 mm across excluding the crown, leading it to be classed as the "baby" Weems.

The seller specifies that this piece is the model featuring the bezel locking crown at 2 o'clock (distinguishing it from larger versions with crowns at 4 o'clock) and notes that it lacks military ordnance inscriptions on the case back.

Evidence for this section
  • “A vintage Longines Weems, "Second-Setting" Navigational wrist watch, circa. 1930s.”
  • “This model of watch was a tribute to the navigation system devised by Captain Philip van Horn Weems.”
  • “This watch measures 27.5mm across (without crown), so is classed as the "baby"”
  • “This is the model with bezel crown at 2.00 o'clock so don't be confused as there are some with the crown at 4.00 o'clock which are much bigger and a lot more expensive usually!”
  • “however this is the less expensive one without military inscription”

Case and Bezel Structure

The seller reports that the watch features a 10K yellow gold-filled case measuring 27.5 mm across excluding the crown, accompanied by a bi-directional rotating bezel with a locking crown at 2 o'clock. Visual observation confirms dual crowns on the case band—a locking crown at approximately 2 o'clock and a primary crown at 3 o'clock—as well as a calibrated rotating bezel with engraved numerals and calibration indices.

The case back is not visible in the provided front view. The vendor reports that the exterior case back is inscribed: "Longines - Weems Second-Setting Watch - Invented by Lt. Com. P.V.H. Weems USN", and states that the case is signed.

Evidence for this section
  • “This particular watch has a 10K yellow gold filled case in fantastic condition., a bi-directional rotating bezel with locking crown at 2 p.m.”
  • “This watch measures 27.5mm across (without crown)”
  • “Dual crowns on the case band: locking crown at approximately 2 o'clock and main winding crown at 3 o'clock”
  • “Calibrated rotating bezel with engraved numerals and calibration indices”
  • “On the case back it says " Longines - Weems Second-Setting Watch - Invented by Lt. Com. P.V.H. Weems USN "”
  • “The watch has a signed case, dial, and movement”

Dial and Reported Movement

Visible observation shows a light-toned matte dial with Arabic numeral hour markers, central hands, and dial signature "LONGINES" situated below the 12 o'clock position. The source describes the dial as matte silver with gold hands, gold Arabic numeral markers, and a rail track outer seconds marker ring. The watch is shown on a brown leather strap.

The movement is not visible in the photograph. The vendor reports it to be a 15-jewel hand-wound Calibre 10L (10.68 Z) movement, noting that the movement itself is signed.

Evidence for this section
  • “Light-toned matte dial with Arabic numeral hour markers and central hands”
  • “Dial signed 'LONGINES' below the 12 o'clock position”
  • “Fitted with a brown leather strap”
  • “a 15-jewel hand wound Cal. 10L (10.68 Z) movement and a silver matt dial with gold hands and gold Arabic numeral markers with rail track outer seconds marker ring!”
  • “The watch has a signed case, dial, and movement”

Open research questions

  • What movement and case serial numbers are stamped on this watch, and what exact delivery date and market destination do Longines archive records confirm?
  • Does direct examination of the movement corroborate the seller-reported Calibre 10L (10.68 Z) designation and jewel count?
  • What specific inner case back markings or hallmarks are present to confirm the case manufacturer and metal standard?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Longines Weems Second-Setting wristwatch, circa 1930s
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Case material10K yellow gold filled“This particular watch has a 10K yellow gold filled case in fantastic condition.”
Case diameter27.5 mm“This watch measures 27.5mm across (without crown)”
Movement calibreCal. 10L (10.68 Z), 15 jewels“a 15-jewel hand wound Cal. 10L (10.68 Z) movement”
Bezel designBi-directional rotating bezel with locking crown at 2 o'clock“a bi-directional rotating bezel with locking crown at 2 p.m.”
Case back inscriptionLongines - Weems Second-Setting Watch - Invented by Lt. Com. P.V.H. Weems USN“On the case back it says " Longines - Weems Second-Setting Watch - Invented by Lt. Com. P.V.H. Weems USN "”
Reported movement15-jewel hand-wound Calibre 10L (10.68 Z)“a 15-jewel hand wound Cal. 10L (10.68 Z) movement”
Reported signaturesSigned case, dial, and movement“The watch has a signed case, dial, and movement just as you would expect of a watch of this calibre.”

Visible details

  • Light-toned matte dial with Arabic numeral hour markers and central hands
  • Dial signed 'LONGINES' below the 12 o'clock position
  • Calibrated rotating bezel with engraved numerals and calibration indices
  • Dual crowns on the case band: locking crown at approximately 2 o'clock and main winding crown at 3 o'clock
  • Fitted with a brown leather strap

Research qualifications

  • Internal movement and case back inscriptions are reported by the source but not visible in the provided image
  • Exact production year is not verified by serial number records

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

Consulted source

LONGINES WEEMS MILITARY SECOND-SETTING c.1937 – Vintage Watch Specialist

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record 5f65c9d582

Terms in this record

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