Today best known for their competitively priced and well-built offerings, Longines’ history as one of horology’s most advanced watchmakers usually escapes most collectors. Built upon an extensive archive of incredible chronographs and dress watches, this reputation would be nothing compared to what it is now if it wasn’t for the movement in the Flyback Chronograph that we have here, the cal. 13ZN. Famously regarded as one of the finest chronograph movements ever produced, the manual-wind cal. 13ZN was launched in 1936 as one of Longines’ most advanced movements and the first flyback chronograph movement to be fitted within a wristwatch. Offered over several decades with different subvariants depending on dial layouts and the number of pushers used to operate it, the cal. 13ZN is fabulously collectible, given that not all examples are the same. Thanks to its impeccable level of craftsmanship, stunning architecture, and unparalleled level of ingenuity, the cal. 13ZN is as famous today as it was ahead of its time in the 1930s. Unrivaled for two decades as the only flyback chronograph movement on the market, the cal. 13ZN enabled Longines to become one of the most revered watchmakers within the aviation industry, given how practical the cal. 13ZN’s flyback function was. Offered here is a large 37.5mm 18kt gold Flyback Chronograph fitted with the cal. 13ZN that sports a beautifully luxurious black dial with construction-matching hands and dial inscriptions, which combine to create a stunning aesthetic, fitting for the iconic movement housed within its round stepped case.

Watch is in very good original condition. The French hallmarked case has minor scratches and wear, as does the beautiful original black gilt dial. The dial has some surface spotting and splotchiness as visible in the images.

A truly legendary timepiece that solidified Longines' place as one of the finest chronograph manufacturers on the market, this is perhaps one of Longines' most important models.