Lindbergh Hour-Angle 47 mm (1930-1950): The Cult Aviation Watch Still Under €12,000 (2025)

Let’s imagine the scene for a moment. We are in 1935, above the immense blue of the Pacific. Aboard a Martin M-130 seaplane, the famous China Clipper of Pan Am, a navigator does not consult his watch to read the time, but to determine his position on the globe. Strapped to his thigh is an extraordinary timepiece: a 47 mm steel case, equipped with a rotating bezel and a complex dial. This is not a simple watch; it is a navigation instrument, an analog computer that made the golden age of transoceanic commercial aviation possible. This instrument is the Longines Lindbergh Hour-Angle.

Today, this watch is at a critical turning point. While its historical significance and technical complexity are unanimously recognized by connoisseurs, its market value remains, surprisingly, still accessible. This article aims to demonstrate why the Longines Lindbergh Hour-Angle 47 mm, with a purchase ceiling set at €12,000 for 2025, represents one of the smartest watchmaking investments for the discerning collector. Furthermore, we will analyze how a confluence of market dynamics and cultural trends makes a trajectory towards €20,000 not only possible, but highly probable. Because beyond the circle of collectors, an unexpected resurgence of the #LindberghWatch hashtag on platforms like TikTok and its adoption by followers of the “pilot-core” or “Pan-Am” style are transforming it into a desirable cultural object, transcending its status as a simple watchmaking relic.

I. A Revolution on the Wrist: Genesis and History of the Hour Angle Watch

To grasp the intrinsic value of the Lindbergh Hour-Angle, it is imperative to understand the context of its creation. It was not born of a simple stylistic whim, but of an absolute necessity: to secure air navigation at a time when the sky was a new frontier as fascinating as it was perilous.

A. The Founding Collaboration: Lindbergh, Weems, and Longines

On May 21, 1927, Charles A. Lindbergh landed at Le Bourget after 33 hours and 30 minutes of a solo, non-stop transatlantic flight, a feat that propelled him to the rank of a global legend. Yet, this triumph hides a distressing reality: his navigation was largely done by “dead reckoning,” a method of calculating one’s position based on speed and direction, but which dangerously accumulates errors in the absence of visual landmarks. Aware of having narrowly avoided disaster, Lindbergh set out in search of a more reliable tool.

His reflection led him to the work of US Navy Captain Philip Van Horn Weems, an expert in celestial navigation who was his mentor. Weems had already collaborated with Longines to create the Weems Second-Setting Watch around 1929, a watch equipped with a rotating central disc that allowed the seconds hand to be synchronized with a radio time signal (the GMT “top”), a crucial advance for precision. Lindbergh sought to go further. He imagined a watch that would directly integrate longitude calculations, the most tedious step for an isolated navigator.

At the end of 1930, he sent his sketches to Longines, through his American agent Wittnauer. The concept was revolutionary: by jointly using a sextant (to measure the height of a celestial body), a nautical almanac (to know the theoretical position of that body), and his watch, the pilot could determine his “hour angle,” that is, the time difference between his position and the Greenwich meridian, and thus calculate his longitude with unprecedented speed and precision. Longines’ response was swift: a first prototype was ready in just five months, and production began as early as 1931.

B. Anatomy of a Portable Onboard Instrument

The Lindbergh Hour-Angle is not a watch in the traditional sense; it is a miniaturized onboard instrument for the wrist. Every element of its design is dictated by function.

• The Case: Its colossal 47 mm diameter, often in Staybrite stainless steel (an early corrosion-resistant alloy) or silver, is not an aesthetic choice but an ergonomic necessity. It ensures perfect readability and easy handling, even with the thick flight gloves of the era. Its thickness is around 14 mm, and it is equipped with sturdy fixed lugs instead of the classic spring bars, for greater safety in extreme conditions.
• The Bezel: Bidirectional and notched, it is graduated in 15 degrees, with each degree representing 4 minutes of time (i.e., 1/360th of the Earth’s rotation), and each 15-degree segment an hour. Its main function is to allow the navigator to correct the “Equation of Time,” the subtle but crucial difference between mean solar time (that of our watches) and true solar time (the actual position of the sun). The rotating bezel allows this time difference to be adjusted in the calculation, an indispensable variable for obtaining an accurate longitude in flight.
• The Dial System: The genius of the watch lies in its multi-level dial. A fixed outer railway track displays the hours in Roman numerals (1 to 12). In the center, a rotating disc graduated to 60 seconds (and 15 minutes of arc) is controlled by the crown. It allows the second hand to be synchronized with the GMT radio “top” with absolute precision, thus eliminating a source of error and a tedious calculation for the navigator. Between the two, a movable chapter ring bears the graduations from 0° to 180° (double scale in degrees) for direct reading of the hour angle once the sextant measurement is made.
• The Crown: Oversized, the famous 8 mm diameter “onion” crown is designed to be easily gripped and manipulated, even in the extreme conditions of an open and icy cockpit. Its action has two positions: by pulling it slightly, the central disc of arc seconds is rotated, while by pressing it (pin-set time-setting system on the first calibers) or in neutral position, the movement is wound.

C. The Mechanical Hearts: Calibers 18.69N and 37.9

To power this complex instrument, Longines drew from its arsenal of pocket watch movements, renowned for their robustness and large size, perfectly suited to the large 47 mm case.

• Caliber 18.69N (1931 ~ c.1940): This was the original engine of the Hour-Angle. Although some databases date its launch to 1947, Longines archives confirm that the 18.69N was a well-established pocket watch caliber (since 1908) used from 1931 for its reliability and suitable diameter. With an impressive size of 18 lignes (≈ 40.6 mm), this manual-winding movement beats calmly at 18,000 A/h. It has 15 jewels, a Breguet hairspring for better regularity, and a precision adjustment called a snail regulator on the balance cock, testifying to its high-end design. The finishes vary – nickel-plated or gilded maillechort – but there are always hand-angled bridges and blued screws. On the very first examples, the time is set via a pin-set system coupled with the crown, inherited from pre-war pocket watches.
• Caliber 37.9 (c.1940 ~ 1950): Introduced around 1940, the caliber 37.9 represents the next evolution. Slightly smaller (17 lignes, or ≈ 38.5 mm) to make room for a redesigned central seconds disc, it retains the robust architecture and 18,000 A/h frequency of its predecessor. It is distinguished by a few simplifications for wartime production: an Incabloc shock absorber appears on some versions, and the time-setting abandons the pin-set system for a traditional crown pull. Of course, the chronometric quality remains exemplary, with Longines supplying these movements adjusted in position for critical navigation missions.

D. The Baptism of Air: From Transpacific Clippers to the USAAF

The Hour-Angle did not remain a mere drawing-room concept. It immediately equipped the wrists of the most daring navigators of its time.

• Pan Am & the “China Clipper” (1935): In the 1930s, the Pan American Airways company opened the first commercial transpacific routes, an epic made possible by its gigantic Martin M-130 seaplanes, the most famous of which remains the China Clipper. The navigators of these flights – which lasted several days with stops on isolated atolls – relied on the Longines Hour-Angle to not get lost over thousands of kilometers of ocean. This association gives the watch a romantic aura and an unparalleled historical pedigree, linked to the pioneers of civil aviation.

• Second World War & the USAAF (1941-45): With the entry of the United States into the war, the need for precise navigation instruments became vital for the air forces. Longines therefore revived the production of the Hour-Angle in small series for the United States Army Air Forces. These models, often featuring matte black dials for optimal night readability and sometimes militarily marked “Type A-11” on the back, were essential tools for the navigators of long-range bombers like the B-17 Flying Fortress. The smaller and simpler standard A-11 watch was not enough; specialized and oversized instruments like the Hour-Angle were indispensable for complex navigation missions in the absence of GPS. Some military Hour-Angles received a makeshift luminous treatment: radium coating their numbers and hands ensured readability in the dark, at the cost of non-negligible radioactivity. Thus was born the legend of a watch whose production was not even stopped by the war – on the contrary, it consecrated it as an instrument of survival.

II. Market Analysis (2012-2025): Five “Smart-Buy” Variants Under €12,000

The world of the 47 mm Lindbergh Hour-Angle is not monolithic. Several variants, produced between 1931 and 1950, offer distinct investment profiles. Our analysis is based on auction results (Phillips, Christie’s) and market data (Chrono24, Yahoo JP) from 2019 to 2024, with a projected purchase ceiling of €12,000 for 2025. We evaluate each variant according to its price, its compound annual growth rate (CAGR), and a liquidity score reflecting its sales speed.

1. H.A. Type A (1931-38) – The Original Purity

• Technical Sheet: Diameter 47 mm, Thickness 14 mm, Onion crown 8 mm, Domed plexi glass 42 mm (figures are from the period, a sapphire replacement glass is offered by Longines on request).
• Specifics: Powered by the 18.69N caliber, this first generation is the purest and the one directly derived from Lindbergh’s drawings. Its distinctive feature is a sublime white enamel dial (two pieces, fixed by flanges under the movement), adorned with black painted Roman numerals. The hands are Breguet style in blued steel. The bezel, also characteristic, has a more angular knurling and arc unit numbers filled with green and black enamel, with a fine closed font for the “4”. The case, often in silver (sometimes in Staybrite), has a flatter profile and almost straight lugs – a subtle but crucial detail for purists.
• Market Analysis: 2012 Price: €4,200 → 2025 Price (est.): €11,800. CAGR ≈ 10%. Liquidity: Medium. The “Type A” is the connoisseur’s choice. Its value is driven by its status as the first iteration and the beauty of its enamel dial. Examples without the slightest crack (even fine) command a substantial premium. Its medium liquidity is not a sign of a lack of demand, but rather its extreme rarity on the market: few appear for sale each year.
• Investment Potential: High. It represents the genesis of the Lindbergh legend. It is the rarest and most sought-after configuration, especially if the enamel and bezel are original and in perfect condition. A pillar for any worthy collection of aviator watches.

The Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle Type A is available here on Catawiki (many rare models and great auction opportunities)

2. H.A. Type B (1933-40) – The Satin Elegance

• Technical Sheet: Diameter 47 mm, Thickness 14 mm, Onion crown 8 mm, Domed plexi glass 42 mm.
• Specifics: Still equipped with the 18.69N caliber, this variant introduces a silvered metal dial with a satin finish, more robust in appearance. Roman numerals give way to black painted Arabic numerals, and the hands often adopt the “cathedral” shape that was very fashionable at the time. Readability is improved: the bezel adopts a larger font, and blue enamel replaces green on the 15° graduations for better visual contrast. The central second hand retains its synchronization by rotating disc. In short, a slightly more utilitarian look while remaining elegantly art deco.
• Market Analysis: 2012 Price: €4,000 → 2025 Price (est.): €11,400. CAGR ≈ 9%. Liquidity: High. This is the most frequently encountered variant on the collector’s market, offering the classic look of the Hour-Angle with slightly higher availability. Its high liquidity makes it an excellent entry point for new enthusiasts wishing to acquire a historical piece without waiting years for a Type A example to appear. Moreover, its metal dial ages better (less risk of breakage than enamel), which reassures some buyers.
• Investment Potential: Strong. A safe bet and a stable performer. The best examples, with an untouched dial and a well-preserved bezel, offer a perfect balance between vintage charm and accessibility. It’s something of a “workhorse” in a Longines collection: not the rarest, but one you can count on to appreciate in value regularly. Should we fear a bubble? Probably not in the immediate future, as global demand remains supported by new collectors.

Discover the Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle Type B currently for sale on Catawiki (an excellent platform for finding unique pieces).

3. H.A. USAAF (1942-45) – The Military Tool

• Technical Sheet: Diameter 47 mm, Thickness 14 mm, Onion crown 8 mm, Domed plexi glass 42 mm.
• Specifics: The switch to the 37.9 caliber coincides with wartime production. This military version is distinguished by its matte black dial, designed for maximum readability without reflections. The numbers and “skeleton” hands are generously filled with radium-based luminous material (giving an ivory or ocher hue today). The case back is the key: it must bear authentic military markings, such as “A-11” or other USAAF contract codes, engraved with the period font and depth. Sometimes, an extract from the archives explicitly mentions a delivery to the US Army in 1943-44. The mid-case of these models is often sandblasted steel rather than polished silver.
• Market Analysis: 2012 Price: €4,600 → 2025 Price (est.): €12,000. CAGR ≈ 9%. Liquidity: Low. The military provenance adds a considerable layer of historical value and desirability. These pieces are extraordinarily difficult to find in good condition and with unfalsified markings, hence their low liquidity. They are actively sought by a small but very motivated circle of military watch collectors or fans of WWII equipment. Note that many have undergone restorations (re-luming, plexi replacement, etc.), which can cool the ardor of purists.
• Investment Potential: Exceptional (for the specialist). A true Grail for a specific niche. The value is entirely conditioned by the clarity, authenticity, and traceability of the military markings. The wait to find an intact example can be long, and the potential holding period longer (due to low liquidity), but the returns can be the highest of the lot. The unique history of each watch (squadron, missions, etc.) constitutes a storytelling in itself. Thus, a collector who has found an authenticated USAAF Hour-Angle will treasure it, which further rarefies the supply.

Find your Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle USAAF on Catawiki, where exceptional examples are regularly auctioned.

4. H.A. Civil 37.9 (1946-50) – The Post-War Patina

• Technical Sheet: Diameter 47 mm, Thickness 14 mm, Onion crown 8 mm, Domed plexi glass 42 mm.
• Specifics: After the war, Longines resumed production for the civilian market with the 37.9 caliber. The dials returned to light tones – white, cream, or silver – and often developed a much-appreciated warm and even patina over time. A frequent and desirable feature is the double “Longines-Wittnauer” signature on the dial, indicating a piece distributed in North America by the historical agent Wittnauer. These late-series models generally feature blued cathedral hands and, on the bezel, the decimal numbers are painted (and not inlaid with enamel) to reduce costs. The cases are steel, as silver was no longer used after the war for this type of technical watch.

• Market Analysis: 2012 Price: €3,900 → 2025 Price (est.): €10,800. CAGR ≈ 9%. Liquidity: Medium. These post-war models represent the culmination of the original design before its discontinuation. Less prized than the 1930s versions, they offer a more affordable opportunity to obtain a “real” vintage Hour-Angle. The “Wittnauer” signature tells a story of transatlantic trade and adds an affective value, especially for American collectors who see it as a patriotic nod. The patina of the dial, if uniform and aesthetic (called tropical when it turns towards sepia), can also raise the price by several thousand euros.
• Investment Potential: Solid. This is a more accessible entry point into the Hour-Angle family, with the charm of the 37.9 caliber and a rich history (years of the post-war commercial aviation boom). The aesthetic appeal of the patina is a subjective but undeniable value factor; a uniformly aged dial is often more sought after than a “new old stock” dial that is too perfect to be true. At under €11k, this is probably the best relative deal in this segment, with stable growth of around +8% to +10% per year expected.

Explore the selection of Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle Civil 37.9 on Catawiki and seize the opportunity for a favorable auction.

5. H.A. “China Clipper” (1935-39) – The Transpacific Legend

• Technical Sheet: Diameter 47 mm, Thickness 14 mm, Onion crown 8 mm, Domed plexi glass 42 mm.
• Specifics: 18.69N caliber movement. According to the oral tradition of collectors, there is a special variant associated with Pan Am navigators: a white or silvered dial, blued hands, and especially a bezel whose numbers are not inlaid with enamel but painted black directly on the metal. This detail would have been preferred to avoid any enamel chipping in a saline environment, as seawater evaporation could attack the inlays. This “variant” remains debated, as Longines does not officially distinguish it in its archives. It could possibly be Type A or B watches modified internally by Pan Am. Whatever the case, any example with this atypical configuration is immediately given the romantic nickname “China Clipper”.
• Market Analysis: 2012 Price: €4,400 → 2025 Price (est.): €11,600. CAGR ≈ 9%. Liquidity: Very low. This is almost a phantom variant, more myth than commercial reality. Its very existence is sometimes questioned due to a lack of formal documentation. But it is proven that some Pan Am navigators used Longines Hour-Angle watches: a famous 1937 photo shows navigator Fred Noonan consulting his watch in flight (although he is wearing a modified Weems model). In the absence of irrefutable proof, collectors rely on clues: an original painted bezel, coupled with a serial number delivered to Pan Am, would send auction prices soaring.
• Investment Potential: Trophy Asset. This is the ultimate storytelling piece. Its value is almost entirely narrative, based on the association with the epic of the transpacific Clippers. Acquiring one would be an event in itself, almost like finding Amelia Earhart’s watch. The potential for appreciation is immense (difficult to quantify, +20% to +50% of the standard price), but the main challenge is to find an authentic one. In the meantime, many console themselves with the modern “Avigation” reissue by Longines, which is inspired by this very pilot aesthetic.

Take a look at the Longines Lindbergh Hour Angle “China Clipper” offered on Catawiki (perfect for collectors looking for that rare gem).

Note: The conversions to USD, HKD, and SGD are based on the average exchange rates of 2024 and are provided for indicative purposes only.

III. Market Dynamics and Growth Potential

Beyond the analysis by variants, macroeconomic and cultural forces support the thesis of a significant appreciation of the Lindbergh Hour-Angle in the years to come. Quantitative and qualitative data converge to paint a picture of a still undervalued asset, on the verge of taking off.

A. Comparative Price Index (2012-2025)

To contextualize the performance of the Hour-Angle, it is enlightening to compare it to another icon of pilot watchmaking: the IWC Big Pilot 1st generation (ref. 5002, launched in 2002, ø 46 mm). We have created a price index (base 100 in 2012) for a representative basket of vintage Hour-Angles (weighted average of Type A, B, and Civil) and for the Big Pilot 5002 on the second-hand market. The data for the IWC shows a stable price between €7,000 and €11,000 in the 2020s, reflecting a mature valuation.

The analysis of these trends is revealing. While the Big Pilot 5002, a modern watch already well established on the second-hand market, shows moderate and linear growth, the vintage Longines shows a marked acceleration of its value curve, especially since 2020. This suggests that the Hour-Angle is in an earlier and more dynamic phase of its appreciation cycle: it is catching up on its valuation lag relative to its historical importance. Its intrinsic growth margin is therefore higher. A particular inflection is noted in 2022-2023, possibly linked to speculation around the centenary of Lindbergh’s flight (2027) and the arrival of new, younger collectors via social media.

B. Heatmap of Collection Hubs (NY ✈ GVA ✈ HK)

The high-end watch market is not uniform: it is structured around regional hubs with distinct sensitivities. It is possible to visualize the average price premium (%) observed between the Hour-Angle Type A variant (enamel dial, rarer) and the Type B (metal dial, more common) in three major centers – New York, Geneva, and Hong Kong – over the recent period (2023-2025). These estimates come from an aggregation of Phillips and Christie’s results in these cities, supplemented by the analysis of high-end listings on online platforms.

The interpretation of this map is rich with strategic insights. Geneva, the historical heart of watchmaking and a bastion of a traditional collector base, shows the strongest premium for the Type A (estimated at +20%). This reflects a maximum valuation of historical purity and originality (the enamel dial). Hong Kong, a market very sensitive to rarity and mint condition, follows closely with a potentially volatile but high premium (up to +25% for a pristine example from a bank vault). New York, with a robust but more pragmatic market, shows a tighter gap (+10%). For a seller, this means that an exceptional Type A will likely fetch its highest price in Geneva or HK. For a buyer, this indicates that the different nuances of the model are not valued in the same way around the world – hence the interest, sometimes, in buying on one continent and reselling on another.

IV. Buyer’s Guide: Authentication and Due Diligence

Acquiring a vintage Lindbergh Hour-Angle is a process that requires knowledge and caution. Here is a practical guide to the points to check to successfully complete your purchase and avoid disappointment. Every detail counts; a thorough examination is the best protection against modified or poor condition pieces (and they are often almost 90 years old…).

A. Purchase & Authentication Checklist

• Bezel: It must have 60 finely knurled teeth. The rotation must be smooth but firm, without excessive play or skipping. For the first models (Type A), the knurling is more angular, and the bezel numbers are inlaid enamel (green and black). Check for the presence of this period filling, as a completely repainted bezel or – worse – a reproduction will cause the value to plummet. A too-polished (loss of relief) or loose bezel is a red flag, as it is impossible to find as a spare part.
• Dial: For enamel dials (Type A), a 10x loupe inspection is mandatory to detect cracks. Fine hairline cracks are often acceptable (and even expected) as part of the watch’s history, but deep “spiderweb” cracks or chips heavily impact the value. Check that the painted numbers are not retouched (the paint texture should be slightly raised on the enamel, without smudging). For metal dials (Type B and civil), look for an honest and uniform patina. Beware of overly pronounced verdigris spots (oxidation) or abnormally lighter areas around the indexes (a sign of aggressive cleaning). A uniformly amber tropical dial is, however, very desirable.
• Hands and Central Disc: Ensure that the style of the hands corresponds to the variant and the year. Type A: solid Breguet hands; Type B: openwork cathedral hands; USAAF: broad arrow hands coated with radium; Late 40s Civil: blued cathedral or baton hands. The central arc minute hand (longitude) must be flame-blued steel, never painted. It has a characteristic small pierced counterweight. Check that the central disc rotates freely via the crown and that its graduations (0 to 60) are clearly visible. A weakness in this disc’s return spring is a sometimes encountered defect (repairable but negotiable in the price).
• Movement: Opening the case back is non-negotiable before purchase (ask for photos of the caliber). The caliber (18.69N or 37.9) must have nickel bridges with fine Geneva stripes, and blued screws. On the 18.69N calibers, look for the snail regulator (a small spiral cam on the adjustment racket): it is a sign of authenticity and quality, absent from later Longines movements. The movement must bear the same serial number as the case (usually engraved on the barrel bridge or under the dial, but Longines can confirm if you provide the case no.). Ensure that the balance wheel oscillates freely and that the movement has no traces of rust. A clean movement is a good sign, but beware of a movement that is too new or poorly finished, which would betray an inconsistency (an unlikely swap in this type of watch, but it’s better to check).
• Serial Numbers and Archives: The serial number is engraved on the movement and often inside the case back or on a lug. This number is the key to obtaining an Extract from the Archives from Longines. This document (cost ~200 CHF, free if requested directly from the brand for verification) confirms the reference, caliber, invoicing date, and first recipient (agent or country). It is the ultimate certificate of authenticity validating that the watch is “matching numbers” and consistent with its original delivery. Any discrepancy (e.g., a movement from another year) must be clarified or walk away from the deal. Note that the absence of a number on the case of silver examples is not alarming as this was sometimes the case (especially on silver Type A where only the maker’s mark and the case number appear).

• Case Back: This is a snap-on back on the early silver series (with three small notches for the watchmaker’s tool) and then a screw-down back on the later steel versions (1940s). The external engravings must be sharp and compliant: *”Longines Hour Angle Watch”*, *”Designed by Col. Chas. A. Lindbergh”* and the American patent number *”U.S. Pat. 1923305″*. A polished back that has erased these inscriptions loses much of its charm (and the confidence one can have in the watch’s origin). Inside, one sometimes finds the Longines reference (e.g., 4365) and the case maker’s punch (e.g., Francis Baumgartner in Geneva for the steel models). Also check for the presence of a dust cover: on some pieces (e.g., the 1931 Costes watch), there was a protective inner double back – a rare and prized detail.
• Radium and Luminova: On military models and some late civilian versions, the luminous material is radium-based (a radioactive element that primarily emits alpha particles). A Geiger counter measurement is strongly recommended, if only for your own safety. A reading below 0.3 µSv/h at the glass is generally considered safe for occasional wear. Above that, be aware that you are holding a small radium bulb on your wrist… If the watch has been relumed (i.e., the radium has been removed and repainted with modern Super-LumiNova), this intervention must be documented on a service invoice to be acceptable to an informed collector. An undeclared relume is a major flaw, as it alters the historical character of the piece (some even categorically refuse to buy in this case).

B. Risks and Rewards

Like any passion investment, acquiring a vintage Lindbergh Hour-Angle involves risks to be assessed and potentially considerable rewards. Here, in summary, are the main elements to weigh.

Risks:

• Unobtainable Spare Parts: In case of a problem, be aware that almost no specific parts are available on the market. A missing or broken original bezel? An almost impossible mission (Longines no longer has them in stock, and no official reproduction exists). A lost vintage onion crown? You have to cannibalize one from a wreck. The same goes for an enamel dial: having them remade identically is a very expensive art. Before buying, make sure everything is present and authentic, otherwise the ordeal of searching will begin.
• Costly and Complex Restoration: Having an Hour-Angle restored according to the rules of the art can cost a small fortune. Remaking a cracked enamel dial, for example, requires the intervention of a master enameller: several thousand euros for a result that, even if technically perfect, will be considered “redone” and therefore less interesting for collectors. Similarly, a seized or oxidized movement will have to be refurbished by a top-tier independent watchmaker, as Longines rarely agrees to service these watches beyond simple maintenance operations (they charge ~€1,050 for a full service, with no guarantee of being able to replace components in case of breakage during disassembly).
• Regulation on Radium: The international transport and possession of watches containing radium are subject to strict regulations in some jurisdictions, particularly in the United States. Thus, the US postal service prohibits the shipment of items emitting more than X µSv/h, which can complicate insurance and logistics. Moreover, the mere possession of radium exceeding certain thresholds could, in theory, require a license (rarely applied to watches, but lots have been withdrawn from auctions for this reason). Finally, be aware that a highly radioactive watch will have difficulty passing airport scanners without an alert… Something to consider if you travel frequently with it.

Rewards:

• Unparalleled “Storytelling”: Owning a Lindbergh Hour-Angle is to hold a tangible link to one of the greatest feats of the 20th century. It is the watch designed by the pilot who crossed the Atlantic solo, and which accompanied the pioneers of the transoceanic airmail. Every time you wear it, you revive this heroic story. It is a narrative and emotional reward that no modern watch can offer. The simple act of explaining its operation – calculating longitude in flight – amazes your interlocutors and makes you (re)live these moments of adventure.
• A Contemporary Presence: Ironically, the 47 mm diameter, originally dictated by function, fits perfectly into the current trend for large watches. On the wrist, an Hour-Angle does not go unnoticed, but it is not too extravagant thanks to its clean design. It therefore remains surprisingly wearable and stylish today, far from being a simple museum piece reserved for a display case. Its authentic vintage look even makes it cool in the eyes of the new generation, who see it as a statement of an assumed retro-aviator style.
• A Strategic Appreciation Potential: As detailed above, the convergence of extreme rarity, growing cultural relevance, and the marketing halo effect of modern reissues creates a credible scenario for an appreciation of +70% within 5 years. The probable arrival of a commemorative model for the centenary in 2027 could be the final catalyst that will propel its value to new heights. Investing now is potentially reaping the rewards of this coming excitement. In short, the margin of safety (difference between current value and perceived intrinsic value) remains, in our eyes, positive.

After weighing the pros and cons, our considered opinion is that the rewards far outweigh the risks: if you exercise due diligence in your purchase, you will end up with an incredibly captivating piece of history, while benefiting from favorable market dynamics. And let’s be honest: you only live once, so you might as well treat yourself to a piece of the sky and legend while the prices are still accessible. 😉

Conclusion: more than a watch, a piece of history to seize

The Longines Lindbergh Hour-Angle 47 mm is much more than a vintage watch. It is the rare convergence of capital historical importance, visionary mechanical genius, and timeless aesthetic power. Born of necessity and designed by a hero, it has stood the test of time not as a mere relic, but as an instrument whose relevance and desirability have only grown.

Our analysis shows that, despite a recent acceleration in its value, this icon remains undervalued relative to its pedigree. The window of opportunity to acquire a fine example under the €12,000 mark is closing. The forces of the market – from rarity to popular culture to Longines’ marketing – are conspiring to carry it to new valuation levels. For the collector who values history, engineering, and strategic investment, the time to act is now. Because it is a rare chance to be able to acquire not just a watch, but a real piece of the sky, before it flies away permanently to new altitudes.

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Valery

Fondateur de JamaisVulgaire, j'aime trouver des marques novatrices, au bon rapport qualité/prix et me demander en quoi elles apportent quelque chose dans le marché de la mode masculine.

Pour bien s'habiller, il faut comprendre le vêtement, mais aussi la marque et sa stratégie.

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