Comments:
The odd ball Longines Weems Bezel Stopseconde
I have to be honest and say I don't know much about these. Seems there are a few different 32.5 mm models. A very good local watch collector/dealer sold me this watch saying that I really should buy it.
It is ref 4461, these watches just rarely in 10 years show up. A couple have been available recently though.
Well here it is, it's ugly, but running fine. A rarely seen and most likely early WW2 period aviation watch possibly designed by P.V.H. Weems
It is ref 4461, these watches just rarely in 10 years show up. A couple have been available recently though.
Well here it is, it's ugly, but running fine. A rarely seen and most likely early WW2 period aviation watch possibly designed by P.V.H. Weems
Wow that really is a museum piece
I did not know it existed. Good to see that you can live with a well worn watch
It's a watch that separates
the knowledgeable horological historian enthusiasts from others for sure.
Unpolished and sharp case. Movement clean.
The watch was recently the property of an executive of the NAWCC who also is a watchmaker.
The watch keeps great time and is fully functional. The archives from Longines indicates it was
invoiced to Wittnauer USA in 1939 making this one of the earlier deliveries prior to the USA getting
into WW2.
Thank you, it's case is in nice condition, but it does look like it was shot down
and crashed into the ocean. It's a pretty rare watch by any account.
It doesn't bare any USA military markings so most likely it wasn't a
USA military contract like the A-7 or A-11. However, it doesn't mean that the
watch was not US Navy or US Army Air Corp since we know the North Island
San Diego 47mm Weems were also unmarked.
This watch is a bit of a mystery.
It doesn't bare any USA military markings so most likely it wasn't a
USA military contract like the A-7 or A-11. However, it doesn't mean that the
watch was not US Navy or US Army Air Corp since we know the North Island
San Diego 47mm Weems were also unmarked.
This watch is a bit of a mystery.
In an era of Lindberg and Earhart worship, hard to tell if an aviation tool watch
few missions in WW2 or was the equivalent of a Rolex Submariner that never went further than the backyard swimming pool. The condition of the watch certainly suggest heavy salt water exposure so who knows...maybe it was a WW2 Navy Fighter or Bomber?
Wow, I only saw it on photos! Bravo, mon ami. This is a very interesting one! And what a charm.
I know you know
what it is. There is one permanently on display at the Longines museum. Certainly a rare bird to see in person. I come across many 47mm Weems, but this was the first 32.5mm Weems Stopseconde in 40 years of collecting watches I have ever seen in person. I think due to cost, it was quickly replaced with the 28mm 1940 A-11, about 1200 of those were produced. So these Weems Stopseconde must have been produced in mere dozens delivered in April and September of 1939 and perhaps as special orders after 1939. One very active collector in Europe that I am aware of that has kept an eye out says none have appeared in Europe in 12+ years.
Royal Canadian Air Force
Here is one that was in the War. Maybe was redialed during service
Of course typical issued markings would be R.C.A.F.
Of course typical issued markings would be R.C.A.F.
This was not mine by the way, I don't think I made that clear.
So there are a couple of the handful seen that were worn by WW2 Aircrew, these are interesting watches if you can find one. I think the prices may have come down a lot, but still will have to be very lucky to get one.