129 - Longines - Observatory Chronometer

Longines - Observatory Chronometer (*) A fine, heavy, and large deck chronometer with a 36-hour power reserve indicator in a wooden case, including an excerpt from the chronometer archives by Andreas Hidding Movm. No. 4380425, Cal. 26.99, Dimensions 69 mm, circa 1925, Weight 253 g, Origin Switzerland Case: Steel, tiered, with a visible movement. Dial: Enamel. Movement: Bridge movement with center bridge, lever escapement, Guillaume gold-screw-compensated balance. This Longines chronometer movement competed in the National Physical Laboratory’s Teddington “Kew – Class A” chronometer competition in 1931, achieving a score of 93.2 points and receiving the rating “especially good.” Caliber 26.99 exists in one version as a bridge movement and in another with a central bridge, and it is reserved exclusively for use in observatory competitions. While LONGINES initially pursued the goal of obtaining a coveted bulletin primarily for commercial reasons, the company’s approach to the competitions shifted in the early 1920s toward a performance-driven participation, aiming for prizes and records that could bolster the marketing of its commercial products. As a result, Caliber 26.99 remained exclusively within the regulation department, which submitted it to the observatory trials. Due to the movement’s larger dimensions, both the Guillaume balance and the mainspring barrel were enlarged accordingly. However, entries in Neuchâtel are limited and focus mainly on the years 1924 and 1925. In Geneva, the caliber was entered until 1929. Source: ChronoHype Magazine No. 16 Case: very good. Dial: very good. Movement: very good, in working order, cleaning recommended.