This 1941 Longines Stop-Seconds Chronograph Mono-Pusher, powered by the celebrated Calibre 12.68Z, represents an early and highly specialised chapter in Longines’ chronograph development. Supplied with a Longines Archive Extract, the watch is firmly anchored in its historical context, dating to a period when precision timing was evolving rapidly for scientific, navigational, and military use. Unlike later chronographs, this is a true stop-seconds instrument rather than a conventional start-stop timer.
In operation, the chronograph runs continuously, with no facility to stop it. The mono-pusher performs a single function only: instantaneous reset of the centrally mounted chronograph seconds hand, allowing precise synchronisation to a reference signal. A particularly elegant detail is the way the chronograph seconds hand and minute recording hand are stacked concentrically, sitting directly beneath one another at the centre. This layered arrangement keeps the dial clean and highly legible while reinforcing the technical, purpose-built nature of the watch.
The heart of the piece is the Longines Calibre 12.68Z, a movement widely regarded as one of the finest small-format chronograph calibres of the era. Its architecture is clear and logical, with beautifully shaped levers, precisely defined steel components, and a layout that is immediately intelligible to the trained eye. Designed for accuracy and reliability rather than excess complexity, the 12.68Z delivers crisp reset action and stable running, even by modern standards.
Closer inspection of the movement reveals why the 12.68Z is so admired by collectors and watchmakers alike. Finishing is restrained but confident, with attention paid to functional surfaces and long-term durability. Every element feels intentional, from the balanced gear train to the robust chronograph works. Combined with the unusual stop-seconds configuration, mono-pusher reset, and archival documentation, this 1941 Longines stands as a compelling example of purposeful Swiss chronograph engineering at its peak.
The watch is housed in a neat, sharp 10k gold-filled case, its clean lines and well-defined edges reflecting the restrained elegance typical of early-1940s Longines production. The warm tone of the gold-filled finish complements the silvered dial, which remains crisp and balanced, providing excellent contrast for the applied gold Arabic numerals. These numerals catch the light subtly, adding depth and warmth without compromising legibility, while reinforcing the watch’s period character and understated sophistication.
| Case Size | 32mm (excluding crown) |
|---|---|
| Complications | Chronograph (Seconds + Minute stacked hands), Sub Seconds. |
| Movement | Longines Calibre 12.68Z |
| Reference | Stop Seconds |
| Delivery | Longines Archive Papers, our in-house authenticity documentation and packaging. |
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