Father of all modern chronographs, the vintage Longines Caliber 13.33Z was the first chronograph movement designed to be on the wrist. 

Introduced in 1913, the legendary Longines Calibre 13.33Z set apart from the rest of the Horology World. It revolutionized the way chronographs were experienced, making it possible to wear instead of carry them in a pocket. Those were the years of transition from pocket watches to wristwatches and the watch case diameters were gradually reduced. Are you in love with Chronographs? Discover our hand-selected Chronographs.

According to the Extract from Archives, this Longines Chronographe Compteur was delivered to France in 1920. Yes, this chronograph is more than a century years old now. To our best knowledge, this model was also worn by the Russian Military Aviation in World War I.

The case design reminds us of pocket watches, featuring a circular shape with hooded decorated lugs. Furthermore, the case features a hinged caseback with double closing. Both inner and outer back covers are made in solid 18Kt gold and present the serial number engraved. Pushing the pin at 2 o’clock allows the collector to set the time, an early feature called ‘pin set' and already adopted in pocked watches. Only after 1920 the time could be set with the crown stem, known as the ‘stem set’ system. Pushing the crown activates the chronograph.

A quick glance will show how majestically constructed is this 13.33Z Caliber, above all the fact it has been manifactured in the early 1910s. It has been designed starting from the 1910 project of the 13.33 Caliber and so fitted with the chronograph complication. It features a bi-metallic Breguet hairspring, a 6 teeth column wheel and 18000 A/h.

Almost every 13.33Z on the front displays an enamel dial and this timepiece is a crisp example. Finding an enamel dial untouched and without any crack is a hard mission nowadays and this dial is preserved in excellent condition. Blue steel spade hands and a red ‘12’ arabical index give the watch a touch of color. Discover the detailed condition of the dial in the full CONDITION REPORT.

Accompanied by Longines Extract from the Archives confirming the present timepiece was invoiced on 30 September 1920 to the company Hauser, Zivy & Co., which was at the time Longines' agent for France.