First released in 1956, the Longines Silver Arrow has a fascinating history. Named in homage of the ground-breaking, Mercedes Benz Formula 1 cars of the time, which were known for their speed, technological advancement and elegance.
Silver Arrows are known for their case back emblems: a supersonic plane, flying amongst the stars. With these watches being made right on the brink of the Space Age, it is a clear nod to Longines's association with aviation, as well as their clear understanding of the advancements in technology that were happening in multiple other industries.
Our Silver Arrow is no exception when it comes to beauty. This watch, put simply, is stunning. it is in truly spectacular condition for a watch that was first sold on the 19th July 1957, as is stated on the Longines archive extract. The dial is incredibly interesting and the aging of it gives no doubt to its originality. It has an outer, mirrored ring and very unusual, brick-effect baton markers.
We've paired the watch on its original, Longines-signed fixoflex bracelet, but this watch really can wear anything.
Founded in 1832, Longines has a rich and exciting history. The company produced their first movement, the 20A, in 1867 near the Swiss town of Saint-Imier, in a place called Es Longines ("long meadows"). This movement won an award at the Exhibition Universelle in Paris in the same year. Longines are credited with advancing the industrialisation of Swiss watchmaking and it because of their new mechanical procedures, they were able to produce a simple chronograph movement, the 20H, as early as 1878. It was the first mechanism that Longines had made that could be used for precise timing and it was so popular with horse racing bettors and spectators that by the end of 1886, Longines were supplying chronographs to the majority of New York's sports officials. It is still the official timekeeper of many horse races, with over 40 in its annual calendar. The Longines brand name and logo were officially registered with the United International Bureaux for the Protection of Intellectual Property (later the WIPO) in 1889. Longines is the oldest brand name registered with the WIPO that is unchanged and still in use today. Longines is now part of the Swatch Group, having joined in 1983.
What we think
Longines have recently produced a very good Silver Arrow as part of their Heritage range, but you really can't beat the original!
Spec Stuff
Serial : 10232###
Reference : 9100
Movement : Manual Wind Cal. 23zs Age :1951/1960 Specific Age : Invoiced 19th July 1957 Case Size : 34mm Case Thickness : Lug to Lug : 42mm Lugs : 18mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : Longines Archive Extract Case Material : Stainless Steel Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1957 Longines Silver Arrow Manual Wind in Stainless Steel on Rare Longines Fixoflex Bracelet Model 9100 & Archive Extract
