Lépine
1275
Marc A Mitscher's Annapolis Weems (attributed)
This watch dial to me is extraordinary. It may not look like much, but if you consider what it is and what this watch is, then it's a bit of history.
What you see is a smaller size 33mm Longines Weems with a turning bezel. This is the second type of Seconds Setting watch that was created
after the 47mm Standard Seconds Setting model that was created much earlier. This particular model was only available in the United States.
All the watches that have shown up to date have been made in 1937. There were about 4 different variants. I won't spend time on them since we are discussing only this
watch in particular. The point is that this series of watches was only made for 1 year so they are very rare.
"
"
I had Longines look into this watch and the dial and they told me something amazing, the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis" logo on the watch dial was in fact a Longines factory dial. This was not added later as some had thought. I have an agreement to not disclose the actual Longines archive image so I can only show that the Annaopolis is mentioned in the archives.
This watch was originally designed and prototyped in San Diego California near where I live. Here is an often referred to diagram for the
patent for the first bezel watch. It was prototyped at J Jessop Jewelry.
Lt. Commander P.V.H. Weems United States Navy, who was the father of Avigaton and the aeronautical Celestial Navigation System,
had Longines create this watch. It was available through his navigation school he founded.
There are some interesting facts about this particular Weems watch. The previous owner I bought this watch from had this watch from 1970. He was a former US Airforce soldier that was stationed at Lockbourne Air Force Base. After I had bought the watch, several months later, Staff Sargent "Tony" remembered that there was a book and a map case the watch was inside of. He said the name of the owner of the watch was on the book.
SS Tony USAF had been visiting a Veteran's Administration Hospital for treatment so it took a few months for him to find the book as finally send it to me.
I looked at the name and it honestly didn't ring any bells. I didn't know who this was.
I spent a little time looking on the Internet and I could not believe who this person was. Now I knew who Jimmy Doolittle was.
I think anyone that has at least seen the movie "Pearl Harbor" or similar movie has seen Jimmy Doolittle as part of the story
line and obviously then knows what the "Doolittle Raiders" or the "Tokyo Raiders" are.
Well, I had to do a little searching in the libraries to find out more about what the relationship between P.V.H. Weems and Marc A. Mitscher was.
As it turns out, Admiral Mitscher and Commander Weems both were on the wrestling team and I think Admiral Byrd was also. You can see all
were on the wrestling club. Mitscher was two grades their senior, but USNA is a 4 year academy so they probably knew eachother since they
where all on the wrestling team. This is from the "Lucky Bag" the academy yearbook.
So why on earth would Mitscher have a Weems watch? As it turns out, he was several times heading the Bureau of Navigation for the
US Navy under Admiral Moffet. Both were pioneers of Naval Aviation. Mitscher had even testified several times in front of Congress to
get funding for Naval Aviators. He also was responsible for evaluation of training materials and also flight instrumentation. So there is
a strong possibility he was involved in the evaluation of Weems Celestial Navigation for the Navy Pilots.
Could there have been another Captain Marc A Mitscher that happened to have the same name and rank in 1940 with the US Navy?
I contacted the US Navy and they confirmed that only one person existed at that time with that description.
I also checked if the book was authentic. The museum on board the USS Hornet confirmed the book was authentic.
This watch has appeared as part of the Pioneering Aviation series as cameo in WatchTime magazine. April 2021.
And Longines Instagram Website.
And WebChronos.
Although there isn't solid proof that it was his watch, there is a strong possibility it was his. If you read the history of the Pacific War, Mitscher in my opinion won the war against the Japanese Navy.
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WristScan - Dials - Live !
Hello dear friends ! We are now live for WristScan and our theme this weekend is all about our “Favourite Dials” . The watch dial is an integral and powerful design element, which can make or break a watch design. Some of the most iconic watches also have...
Hello dear Captain! Nice to have you hosting this weekend. I love the theme. Dials are a most important aspect of our watches. They give us that important "first impression" which can make...
... us fall in love at first sight with a timepiece. A beautiful dial also gives character to a watch. I´m sure we will be enjoying this edition so much by viewing some awesome dials shared by our participants. I will return later with some of my favorite...
Thank you for your kind message …
I completely agree with you, the dial gives character to the watch. Looking forward to seeing your choices dear friend.
Not the best quality photos...
I like how the white hands on both of these pick up the white on the dials. Also the strap on the Omega and the bracelet on the JLC extend the blue theme of the dials. ...
Welcome to WristScan HighEndOne …
Beautiful Omega Dynamic, especially with the Geneve dial
Good to see an authentic Omega buckle! I'm not sure if Dynamics were offered with deployants, but Chronostops . . .
. . . were. If you perform a Google search for 'Omega Chronostop deployant buckle', you should find images of the #27 clasp and associated straps with steel fittings. The deployants are hard to find, but should increase the longevity of Corfam straps. Bes...
My choices for this weekend are :
Favourite weekend combo Datejust and beer 🍺 On Sundays evenings I dream watching the stars about mission to the moon with this nice Tintin. Maybe one day , who knows. Until then I enjoy watching sky with Speedmaster strap to my wrist. ...
Good afternoon dear Captain. A very attractive theme.
I’ve chosen three dials I’m delighted with. Enjoy weekend. ...
Three strong choices …
I always love the signature Bucherer “blue” dials and this one is particularly beautiful. Your Montblanc dial is spectacular !
The dial is my entry
But hands can be art. Hands are a very important aspect for me when chose a watch. No secret, i like Breguet hands the most. Second, IWC Big Pilot hands. A warm up. Here is a dial i can appreciate very much. Not elegant, but functional. Clear looks, cool ...
Absolutely right ….
Hands are most important and the dial behind is equally important. Beautiful dial on your FC 👍
Back when I started collecting over twenty years ago, I saw this Omega Constellation . . .
[photo credit: Phil Cooper, 2004] . . . posted on TimeZone. It was love at first sight. 😍 A few years later, Phil [log-in: hockey] posted a WTB on TZ for a racing Mk II. I had one. So I contacted Phil and we spoke at length about a potential trade. Finall...
I absolutely love this Connie
I must have said this before but that combo of crosshairs, honeycomb dial and arrowhead markers is KILLER!!
What a wonderful Connie dear Art. It was destined to reside in your collection for sure. I love those arrow shaped indexes which grace some Omega vintage timepieces. The combination...
... of those indexes (and in rose gold!) with a black dial and honeycomb in contrast with a white metal (steel) case is very rare and make for such a charming timepiece. As with many of your vintage watches it has a wonderful story behind which I read wit...
I've seen a number of engraved Constellation black dials with yellow gold hands and markers . . .
. . . but only a few in rose. If memory serves correct, MSN has an unbelievably rare white gold ref 2852 Connie with white gold dial furniture and text imposed on an engraved black dial. That's one I'd trade a kidney for! 🙇🏻
Classic beauty
with a great story! Really the essence of watch collecting to me. Thanks Art. Timerider
A few entries from Denmark
Generally I prefer simple watches or watchdials Like these ...
Superb Omega Dynamic …
Hello Hans, your Omega Dynamic has a beautiful blue dial. Modern vintage looks, almost futuristic. Your Ranchero has a nice patina. Best regards Captain
Great examples of simple watches with interesting dials Hans!
Love the futuristic looks of the Dynamic dial and the raised indexes of your Omega Automatic. The white dial Ranchero is fantastic. A long time favorite of mine. Hagwe! Abel
As much as I'm attracted to Railmaster dials, the Rancheros - . . .
. . . especially cream, like yours - are even more compelling. If Omega issues an homage to Ranchero as faithful as the 60th anniversary Rail is to CK 2914, they can put me down for two, cream and black. Art
Here's my wife and my choice.
Wife is the Laine she custom spec'ed... hand created via traditional Rose engine / three Guilloche pattern. Mine a traditional dial too, yet of a different style... with a reserved artistic hint of modern flair. jmho ...
Your wife has excellent taste …
The Laine dial has a stunning dial and I love the rich colour that she chose. As for your Moser, you know how much I like these watches.
Thanks for hosting again Captain.
I’ve included some of my favorites below - in no particular order. The DB25 Starry Varius is a real treat for the eyes with a real 3D element to the overall package. And you couldn’t have this theme without a Voutilainen! As well as a couple of jumping ho...
We couldn’t have this theme without a Voutilainen !
Wow, what an incredible lineup you are sharing with us this weekend. I absolutely love your photos of the DB Starry Varius, well played my friend !
Many thanks Captain.
Call me superficial - but I’m a dial man! I’ve agonized over some decisions - particularly when I’m drawn to a dial that out “art above clarity”. Case in point is my Richard Lange Jumping Seconds. While bemoaning the fact that the the black polished hands...
Wow Timeout!! That Voutilainen! Guess we are viewing a winner here!!
All beautiful watches and dials but the Voutilainen keeps me drooling. Hagwe! Abel
The Zenith Rolling Stone …
Cool watch ! I think your RM is such a powerful looking watch with the minimalist dial.
After seeing the Stones forty three times, you'd think the logo Zenith . . .
. . . would be on my wrist.
Thanks for hosting this weeks WS dear Captain 🙏🏻A dial is a very important element from the watch imho.
Here a few of my favorites Texture Salmon Design Guilloché Fume beauty When less is more HAGWE 🤗 ...
How can I possibly choose between this lineup …
I’ll try … I love the dial on your salmon dial Staudt. Thank you for joining us again this weekend. Best regards Captain
Aventurine and perpetual
My most favorite dial is Perpetual Calendar. This Code 11:59 have classic dial of AP combine with aventurine, and White Gold. Great cooking ...
One of my favorite dials.
This dial is simple and while not an immediately eye popping attraction. It is quite elegant in my opinion. To the unfamiliar eye, it is quite ordinary and has sat in a corner of a French countryside curio shop for as long as time may have existed. We can...
Hello Seiji! Wow! What a post! Thank you so much for sharing this most important piece from your collection. A historical Museum piece no doubt. A true gem.
Very interesting information which I enjoyed so much reading and viewing your illustrations. Thank you so much again and my wishes of a wonderful weekend for you. Cheers, Abel
Incredible journey …
This is clearly a very special timepiece and also important for Longines history. Thank you for sharing this with us Seiji
as someone who enjoys vintage Longines, this is a true eye opener
What an amazing watch and story, I learned so much about the watch. And I'm also so impressed by the passion and enthusiasm in Longines for their precious creations of the past!
Longines was great in the early days and again until Walter retired.
It's quite kind of you! And the Longines team at that time was indeed very sincere and passionate about the brand and it's history! The staff used to write regularly to it's collector community. A very one on one personal experience where they often "borr...
I believe we've met in the not-too-distant past. Does a country club gathering at the peak of Sepulveda Pass . . .
. . . ring a bell? Five or so years ago. Art
Was this what you saw?
Were you referring to me? I was at a Golf course with a few OF members not long ago in LA county. 4 - 6 years ago maybe? Modest Proposal I think was there. I had a black small pelican suit case. ...
Ah, so we have met! Yes, I was there . . .
. . . with a few of my Omegas. That was a memorable gathering. Art
Amazing 😀
Wonderful! But you have me at a disadvantage, there was about 8 people there in that clubhouse conference room. Well hope to see you again 👍 Did you recognize me by the watches? Not many "oversized" watch owners out there.
You knew this was coming 😀
It’s a shot I’ve used here before (hope that’s ok) but it shows off the beauty of this dial. 🍻 ...
Dials, modern and vintage, are so crucial
A recent acquisition from Tokyo, with an intricate spiral design. Grand Seiko does amazing dials And for vintage, I love Two-tone or Bullseye dials. Very retro and especially charming with subdials ...
Hello NT931! This dial from GS is a true Masterpiece.
GS dials are always superb and some of them really awesome like in this particular model. I also love the bullseye dials and these you share from Cyma, Omega and Tavanes are so charming examples of the type. Thank you for sharing them here! Have a nice Su...
Hello Clive! Some great choices you share here. Clean, simple, classic and easy to read beautiful dials... what else can we ask? I specially love your Movado which I feel is a watch...
... from the 1930's and looks so nice today. Guiloche decoration and Roman numerals on your GP make for a classic design. Easy to read the date with that half moon hand. Just gorgeous. Also lovely your Omega British Military issue timepiece. So wonderful ...
Hello dear Captain! Thank you so much for hosting this weekend.
Here my entry answering your interesting theme for this event. As said before dials are a most important feature of our beloved watches. It’s their “face” giving them character and probably the first thing which calls our attention when we view them for f...
Hello Abel.
Your Cali dial Rolex is iconic to me. I once came across an image (which I have lost) of a gold bubble back on a sand nato and I was gobsmacked, such a juxtaposition that worked so well. Thank you for sharing this watch, it has made my day. All the best, ...
Thank you so much dear Kurt for your kind comments. I´m delighted to know you liked this old Rolex bubbleback. I can imagine that gold cased bb with a Cali dial. It surely was an impresive little watch!
I´m very fond of so called California dials bubblebacks and Panerais. As a matter of fact I wrote a post some years ago explaining that my beginnings of watch collecting was provoked by bubbleback model and specially those with this type of dials. Also it...
Every day’s a school day!
😀🙏🏼 It’s always good to learn about these things, love it. Thank you Abel that’s great dial information I did not already know. Cheers 🍻
The U-Boot watch dial.
The A.Lange Sohne dial on this watch is still after many decades I have owned this watch, the most stunning dial I own. As you are already aware, this dial had a very austere look and purpose. It was a U-boot watch dial used for dead reconning navigation....
Dear Cpt, a dial can indeed make or break a watch design...
I don't buy a watch for its case, its movement, or crown, etc etc if the dial does not get my attention first Cali dial Classic subdials at 3&9 Guilloche dial Sapphire dial Enamel dial Fume dial ...
Marc A Mitscher's Annapolis Weems (attributed)
This watch dial to me is extraordinary. It may not look like much, but if you consider what it is and what this watch is, then it's a bit of history. What you see is a smaller size 33mm Longines Weems with a turning bezel. This is the second type of Secon...
What an incredible watch …
and your research has been exceptionally thorough. I really enjoyed reading tlyour post on this subject. Thank you ! Best regards Captain
A backyard wrist shot
I hope you like. The photography this weekend is particularly fine. I just wanted you to enjoy this new addition to the Type XX line, 42.5mm and a joy to wear. Best to all, Timerider ...
Big congrats on your new addition to your collection Timerider!
Enjoy it so much and in the best of good health! Hagwe! Abel
Congratulations on getting this Breguet !
A wonderful pilot’s watch. Thank you for sharing it with us this weekend.
Hello Captain!! This dial really deserves to be included…
… in this event. Special or Limited editions of Speedmasters got some very special dials around the Space Race saga of the 1960’s/70’s. This you show here is one of my favorites together with these: And of course this… ...
Absolutely Captain!! That’s a very special Speedy …
… that I love so much. I didn’t remember you owned this one. Mine says hello! Cheers Abel ...
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