Vintage
Lépine's original post offers a rare glimpse into a Longines watch with documented service history during World War II, specifically with Czechoslovakian RAF Spitfire Squadrons 310 and 312. This article delves into the meticulous authentication process and historical context Lépine provides, highlighting the watch's connection to pivotal moments like the Battle of Britain and D-Day. His research underscores the importance of provenance in military watch collecting, distinguishing genuine military-issued pieces from civilian counterparts.
The watch on the right is a civilian version sold through Kohn.
Kohn was a retailer and had nothing to do with supplying to the government. The article that I included is written by a person that in the 1950s worked in the government depot for service and repairs of military watches. Also, I confirm the information with the historian at Longines St. Imier Philippe Heibesen that W.Guth had exclusive rights to sell to the Government. For the first batches of the watches prior to the invasion of the Third Reich, the only agent that supplied watches to the Czech
Also important, many of the MVS markings were done by Longines. So if your watch doesn't have the MVS markings and was delivered by Kohn, it is most definitely a civilian watch.
It was for the Nazi Slovak Airforce stationed at Bratislava Airport in German Occupied Slovakia. People buy them for the rarity not realizing that these watches are unmarked for a good reason as they were ordered by German / Slovak forces.
Great history, watches and facts. Love it!! Enjoy!
Congratulations on owning such a wonderful piece of history.
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