Longines was founded in 1832, and since that time it has become one of the superstars of fine Swiss watch manufacturing. They have outfitted some of the world’s most famous explorers—aviator Charles Lindbergh and polar explorer Roald Amundsen to name but two.

The original Hour Angle timepiece was developed by Charles Lindbergh in 1931 following his flight from Paris to New York four years prior. The Hour Angle was born as a way to calculate the time difference between solar and civil time in order to determine one’s latitude and longitude.

On this Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle timepiece you will surely note the inner scale upon the dial, expressed in a 15-unit scale. The world turns 15 degrees every hour. For the purposes of this watch, we can track the world turning one degree every four hours, which can be read via the minute hand and the scale upon the rotating bezel.

This level of hands-on self-sufficiency and precise calculation can be a thrill for history buffs and aviation enthusiasts alike.

A dynamic mix of printed Roman and Arabic numerals adorn the beige-colored dial. Be sure to look for the convenient day and date windows at 3 as well as a small seconds counter at 9. We especially enjoy the vintage-style Breguet-style hands.

Chronograph functions include a 30-minute counter at 12 and a 12-hour counter at 6. As a self-winding automatic timepiece, the Longines L674.4 caliber beats at the heart of this Lindbergh Hour Angle, and, best of all, it can be enjoyed via the exhibition caseback.

Measuring 42 mm in diameter and 14.7 mm in height, the stainless steel case rests upon a new Longines calfskin leather strap with a tang buckle. The coin-edged bezel is a tactile treat to feel and rotate. Additional features include a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, a push / pull winding crown, and a water resistance to 30 m / 3 atm.

From its unique capabilities to its historic considerations, this Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle Automatic Chronograph will make a fascinating addition to your collection.

Standout features: Historic Hour Angle calculation capabilities; exhibition caseback; convenient day, date, and chronograph functions; handsome Breguet hands.

Details at a glance:

• Model Reference: 674.5232
• Case Material: Stainless steel
• Case Dimensions: 42 mm
• Case Height: 14.7 mm
• Movement: Self-winding automatic
• Caliber: Longines L674.4
• Complication(s) / Feature(s): Standard time, small seconds, chronograph, day, date
• Dial: Beige
• Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire
• Winding Crown: Push / pull
• Water-resistance: 30 m / 3 atm
• Band: Black calfskin leather strap
• Clasp: Tang buckle
• Country of Origin: Switzerland
• Condition: Pre-owned in excellent condition; fully serviced and polished; the watch comes fitted with a brand new OEM calfskin leather strap
• Comments: Includes a gift box