The German physicist Albert Einstein, one of the greatest genius of all time and receiver of the Nobel Prize in Physics 1921, owned a 14k yellow gold 25mm Longines Curvex, that had a carved inscription on the back-case, showing that he probably was gifted the watch by Longines in 1931.

The watch was auctioned in October 2008 for a record sum of $596,000 USD, which made it by far the most expensive Longines watch ever sold.

History of Longines:

Longines is among the world’s oldest watchmakers, with a lengthy history of innovation, originality, patents, and achievements. Auguste Agassiz, a Swiss watchmaker, and his two lawyer associates, Henri Raiguel and Florian Morel, started the company in 1832.

Raiguel and Morel had retired by 1846, leaving Agassiz to take the helm alone. Longines was later founded by Agassiz’s nephew, Ernest Francillon, who was also able to put the brand on the map.

Longines had its first workshop by 1867, thanks to Francillon’s recognition of the advantages of new manufacturing techniques. The facility was in the south St. Imier district, and the company was renamed Les Longines, a French term for “Long Meadows.”

Longines also built its first in-house movement in 1867. The 20A movement featured an innovative design that won a prize at the Universal Exhibition in Paris during the year. Longines started making monopusher chronographs in the late 1800s. These clocks were linked with timekeeping at horse races and jumping competitions, a tradition that continues even now. Longines also registered the name and the iconic winged logo during this period in order to block counterfeiters’ attempts.

ASUAG bought Longines in 1971, then partnered with SSIH in 1983 to establish the Société Suisse de Microélectronique et d’Horlogerie (or SMH). SMH then became Swatch Group in 1988 and still owns Longines up to date. In addition, Longines is still engaged in sporting event timing. The company supports horse riding, tennis, archery, and skiing, among other sports.

About Longines Curvex

One magnificent type of the iconic gentleman’s 1930s is the Longines Curvex lens timepiece in solid 14ct yellow gold.  This timepiece movement has been completely refurbished and polished. Furthermore, it comes with a newly revamped dial, a fully examined, polished, and lightly coated case, a new top-quality bracelet, and a vintage Longines display case.

This is a high-style casing with a gently rounded profile and a curvy lens, known as a ‘Curvex’ case. It also includes beautiful hooded lugs that were popular at the time. The case is solid 14ct yellow gold and has been meticulously maintained, with no scratches, dings, or etching.

This is a sizable watch case for the time, with a width of 21mm except for the crown, which is 39mm in length. Everything is as it should be inside the case-back, which is signed ‘LONGINES’ with 14ct hallmarks and 14K. The serial number is etched on the movement and is visible on the outer part of the case back.

The watch case has been scraped and carefully polished, and it is in excellent condition with only minor evidence of use. However, you should know that the mark on the case side that is roughly aligned with the number 8 on the face is a hallmark and not a ding or flaw.

The Dial

The salmon dial is exceptionally stunning. The salmon dial has ‘Art deco’ numbers and a classic 1930s minor seconds dial at 6 o’clock. In addition, lovely blued steel Gothic-style pointers that look fantastic accent this appealing dial!

The original dial has been meticulously restored and now seems to be as new. Also, the curved lens, as well as the hands, are in excellent shape.

On the other hand, the movement is in excellent shape despite the age. As always, it’s recommended that you keep your vintage timepieces dry and clean at all times.

Final Thought

One of the most prestigious and awarded Swiss watchmakers, Longines has created this stunning 1930s curvex gold vintage watch. It is to the firm’s credit that this timepiece is still totally usable and reliable, as it was 80 years ago when it was out on the market! In addition, this gorgeous, unusual vintage gold watch provides a good financial opportunity as well as something to wear, use, appreciate, and above all, enjoy!

Photo: Getty Images

German-born jewish theoretical physicist Albert Einstein (1879-1955), knowns as one of the greatest genius of all time, wore in the beginning of the 1930s a 14k yellow gold 25mm Longines Curvex, with a carved inscription on the back-case. The watch was auctioned in October 2008 and fetched a record $596,000 USD, thus becoming the Longines watch with the highest price ever.

Einstein is among many other things known for developing the theory of relativity (the famous E=mc2 equation) and received the Nobel Prize in Physics 1921.

Photo: Getty Images