Longines Flyback Chronograph (Ref. 6474 4) 'Cal. 30CH', 1955

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Longines has long held a distinguished place in the world of vintage watchmaking, with a history spanning everything from military-issued timepieces and elegant dress watches to some of the most technically impressive chronographs of the 20th century. Among these achievements, the brand's early in-house chronograph movements remain particularly celebrated, representing an era when Longines was at the forefront of mechanical innovation and precision timekeeping. Introduced in 1947, the Longines Cal. 30CH was the direct successor to the legendary Cal. 13ZN, which debuted in 1936 as one of the earliest production chronograph movements to incorporate a flyback function. Allowing the chronograph to be instantly reset and restarted with a single press of a pusher, this complication was particularly valuable in aviation and other applications requiring precise consecutive timing. While the 13ZN has become one of the most revered chronograph movements ever produced, the 30CH is equally significant in its own right, featuring an impressive column-wheel architecture and representing the final chapter of Longines' fully in-house chronograph development before the brand transitioned to externally sourced movement platforms. Dating to 1955, this Longines ref. 6474 4 is a particularly compelling example of the celebrated Cal. 30CH, combining robust stainless steel construction with an exceptionally charming and complex aesthetic. Housed in a beautifully proportioned 37mm case, the watch features an intricate stepped bezel, prominent chronograph pushers, and the desirable screw-down "sei tacche" caseback, distinguished by its six notches. Its wonderfully aged silver dial is equally captivating, featuring contrasting blue telemeter and black tachymeter scales, bold Arabic numerals, and elegant blued steel hands that bring an unmistakable sense of vintage character to the design. The result is an exceptional expression of mid-century chronograph watchmaking, balancing technical sophistication, purposeful design, and the enduring charm that makes vintage Longines chronographs so highly regarded among collectors. SPECS Stock # LNGFBC64744 Brand Longines Style Flyback Chronograph Model 6474 4 Serial 97XXXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Silver "Aged" Millimeters 37 Strap 2pc Handmade Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The robust case remains in remarkably well-preserved condition, especially for the age of the watch, retaining full dimensions and factory geometry throughout, while exhibiting light evidence of prior polishing and honest signs of gentle use throughout. The case retains its original pushers and unsigned crown. The screw-down "sei tacche" case back is in good overall condition and features some tooling wear. The watch comes supplied on a 2-piece handmade leather strap. DIAL & HANDS The original silver dial has developed a handsome, warm patina with consistent spotting throughout, lending a charming sense of character to its overall vintage aesthetic. Additional signs of age and wear are present, most notably toward the outer edges of the dial, consistent with the age and honest preservation of the watch. The contrasting blue telemeter scale remains fully intact and beautifully legible. The radium-lumed Arabic numerals have aged to a dark patina and exhibit varying degrees of lume loss when inspected under UV light. The original blued steel hands and matching sub-dial hands provide an elegant contrast against the warmly aged dial. The hour and minute hands have been professionally restored with radium lume at some point in the past, exhibiting a complementary tan coloration that harmonizes beautifully with the overall aesthetic of the watch. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is running, keeping time reasonably well, and functioning correctly, though its service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.