1958 Longines Chronometer Pocket Watch Tested At The Neuchâtel Observatory

Why This Watch Matters

Complete with a Bulletin de Marche or a chronometer rating certificate, this specially made Longines Observatory Chronometer is the pinnacle of pocket watch collecting.

The Full Story

Did you know Longines can track the serial numbers associated with 50 million different watches dating back to 1867? The company should be lauded for maintaining one of the largest archives in the entire Swiss watch industry, preserving its history for the future. This Observatory Chronometer pocket watch, of course, comes with an extract from the Longines Archives that confirms it was produced in August of 1958.

Few manufacturers have as storied of a history competing in observatory precision chronometry as Longines. The brand first entered a contest of such in 1888. The Neuchâtel Observatory in Switzerland was established in 1858 with its first chronometer tests conducted in 1860. These tests were a game of precision and evolved over time to include different categories as new technologies such as the quartz movement were introduced. By 1968, when this Longines was submitted for testing, categories included "Marine Chronometer," "Deck Chronometer," "Quartz Deck Chronometer," "Pocket Chronometer," "Quartz Pocket Chronometer," "Wrist Chronometer," and "Portable Quartz Clock."

As mentioned on the extract from the Longines Archives, the caliber 260 movement was made without the usual chronograph function especially for the observatory contest. It is likely that it was made this way in order to achieve a more stable running rate while using a large-size movement. It is fitted with a Guillaume balance, regarded as the optimum balance to eliminate errors arising from fluctuations in temperature. Most Longines observatory chronometers of this era used the smaller caliber 360 making this watch all the more uncommon.

Our pocket watch is offered here with a wooden testing box, a Bulletin de Marche from the Observatory of Neuchâtel dated 9th February 1970, and the extract from the Longines Archives.

The Fine Print

What We Love And What You Should Know

Things We Love:

- Observatory chronometer history
- Large sub-seconds register with observatory testing markers
- Neuchâtel Observatory Bulletin de Marche

Things To Know:

- Light scratches on case and wooden testing box

This pocket watch is in overall excellent condition, especially for being nearly 65 years old. The case is strong with scratches. The hinge of the case is in good, functional condition. The bow moves freely. The dial is in overall great condition and has developed very light patina with a couple of small imperfections. There are faint traces of "observatory marks" in the sub-seconds register at 30 and 35 seconds. The hands are in great condition with light patina. The crystal and caseback have some light scratches. The wooden testing box is in great shape.