Longines '13.ZN' Chronograph ref. 3721, Black 'Gilt' Dial

Dealer description — Oliver & Clarke

Longines is one of the most well respected manufacturers of the 20th century, full stop. Founded in 1832 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, the company built a name for themselves early on as a manufacturer of quality in-house movements right from the start. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Longines also built a reputation for precision timekeeping, earning accolades at international exhibitions and becoming a trusted name in sports timing, particularly in horse racing and aviation — an association which continues today. By the mid-20th century, especially from the 1930s to the 1960s, Longines was at the peak of its technical and aesthetic prowess, producing a range of high-grade wristwatches admired today by collectors and vintage enthusiasts. The brand was known for its beautifully finished in-house movements, such as the 13ZN and 30CH chronographs, which are considered some of the finest column-wheel chronographs ever produced. The piece that we have here, a chronograph Ref. 3721, dates to circa 1938 and is more commonly known to collectors by the name of the calibre powering it: '13.ZN.' It hails from what many seasoned collectors of vintage watches consider to be the golden era of chronographs and well, just look at it. The yellow gold case comes in at 34mm in diameter with 'rectangular' pushers, an oversized crown, and of course, the namesake movement inside. The dial is what really elevates this piece. Black in color, it features a gilt surface with gorgeous typefaces throughout, recessed subsidiary registers, and a matching gold-tone handset. Accompanying this piece is an extract from Longines archives, confirming the original date of sale in 1938. This then is, for many, checks a heck of a lot of boxes as it pertains to vintage collecting. A storied brand, excellent condition, and its a wonderfully-sized chronograph to boot.