A vintage collector's journey...closing the loop, Longines 13zn12 Sommatore

Hi all,

I haven't been posting much lately here even though I have been part of the forum for twelve years now!...more active on some other platforms...I felt the interest for vintage watches had soften somewhat!?...It looks like maybe it is coming back a bit!?...post Covid crisis effect!?..so I thought I'll share this...

I have been collecting for many years, meeting many fellow collectors going through a nice journey, developing some themes, mainly tool watches, vintage divers, chronographs, pilot watches.

The last year I have been focusing on waterproof chronographs from the 40s and 50s...I had been dreaming about a statement piece, a Longines 13zn watch for many years!...

Now the time has come. Some thinking...maturing one could say...I have sold a few nice watches to concentrate and acquire this one:

Longines 13zn12 aka Sommatore centrale/Doppia lancetta for our italian collector friends, so here it is, in its original condition!...

This watch is the reference 5699, batch 23086 with a low number: 54 from 1946. It has a waterproof case, 39.5mm it carries the famous 13zn movement Longines chronograph movement, has the complication of having a central minute counter (the red hand), it has radium indexes and hands. Historically important and rare (I don't have an official number but my researches suggest 500 pieces produced!?)

An incredible timeless classic design, superb sporty elegance and strong wrist presence.

Enjoy the pics

Matt