Pre WW2 Longines 'Time Of Trip' Aircraft Clock, c.1938

A rare Longines aviation instrument bearing serial numbers which date its manufacture to 1938. According to the Longines, this watch was then supplied to Messrs. Weissblüht, who were their agent in Bucarest and known supplier to the Romanian Air Force.

During WW2 the Romanian Air Force worked with the Luftwaffe, flying hundreds of missions against the USSR and recapturing Northern Bucovina and Basarabia, which had been occupied by the Soviet Union the previous year. Equipped with 621 aircraft, Romanian pilots were well trained and a number of Longines watches were delivered for their disposal.

This cockpit watch features a high grade Longines calibre 19.71N, 16 jewels movement, which is in its aluminium housing complete with a time of trip indicator. It is in overall excellent condition and keeping time, although it has not been serviced. Interestingly, the watch has retained all its sprung mounts, which were fitted in antiquity to a clear acrylic plate - This quite feasibly might have been part of the aircraft canopy?

A rare to find item of aviation interest.

Code: 50772