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Lot Essay
With Longines Extract from the Archives confirming production of this watch with 60 seconds and 12 hours counters and its sale to Longines-Wittnauer Watch Co, Longines' agent for the USA at the time, on 20 September 1948.
Usually, the indication for chronographic minutes in vintage watches - and in many modern ones as well - is found in a dedicated subsidiary counter. With ref. 23086, Longines adopts a very different layout, with a bold red chronographic minutes hand in the center, and additional railway minute divisions on the dial. Beyond the historical and technical importance of such a layout, the aesthetic final result is remarkably attractive, with the red minute hand adding character to the already very enthralling dial aged to a nearly perfect ivory shade, with matching luminous numerals and hands which acquired a warm chestnut hue. A further layer of historical appeal is conferred onto this timepiece by the LXW designation engraved on the movement. Such engraving was reserved to watches destined to the American market.
Usually, the indication for chronographic minutes in vintage watches - and in many modern ones as well - is found in a dedicated subsidiary counter. With ref. 23086, Longines adopts a very different layout, with a bold red chronographic minutes hand in the center, and additional railway minute divisions on the dial. Beyond the historical and technical importance of such a layout, the aesthetic final result is remarkably attractive, with the red minute hand adding character to the already very enthralling dial aged to a nearly perfect ivory shade, with matching luminous numerals and hands which acquired a warm chestnut hue. A further layer of historical appeal is conferred onto this timepiece by the LXW designation engraved on the movement. Such engraving was reserved to watches destined to the American market.