Famed for producing one of the world's earliest wrist-mounted chronograph timepieces, Longines' reputation in the world of chronographs is revered, and the watch we have here exemplifies exactly why. Released in the 1940s, the Longines "Doppia Lancetta" ref. 5699 (meaning "double hand" in Italian) is an early example of a pure example of a vintage chronograph with a modern-sized 39.5mm stainless steel case and a dual register display with running seconds subdial at 9 o'clock and a running hour subdial for the chronograph. The ref. 5699's ingenuity comes from its incredible cal. 13ZN-12 movement, which provides its eponymous double hand feature. The "Doppia Lancetta" has a pair of centrally located hands that count the seconds and minutes when its chronograph function is running. A rare watch with around 500 or so units produced, the ref. 5699 is a holy grail reference for chronograph collectors as it combines an iconic movement with Longines' heritage and modern sizing that enables it to be worn as a contemporary timepiece if its owner so chooses.

Watch is in very good original condition. Dial exhibits some signs of age and has a strong patina. Hands are corroded and the luminous has disintegrated, leaving them mostly skeletonized. Luminous material on dial is original. Bezel has a few very faint surface scratches. Caseback has slightly larger surface abrasions which is consistant with average wear. Case is well defined and has sharp edges, exhibiting minimal wear and polish over the years. Strap and buckle are later replacements.

An incredibly rare timepiece by any metric, the Longines ref. 5699 is a special watch inside and out, with its ingenious and seldom-seen double-hand feature and classically styled design. The basis of most heritage-inspired chronographs today, the ref. 5699 is the real deal that so many watches try to piggyback off of.