Community Stories

Longines 3501 cal.13.33 1935

Luke Skydropper
Posts
44
Likes
101
Dear fellow collectors,

it is my pleasure to share with you my latest catch. It is not easy to dig down below the surface of the very little known and publicly accessibl facts and learn more about hard to get early "calatrava" Longines equipped with the excellent and robust caliber 13.33.

Based on all accessible information, it deals with the rare watch. Made in the very small time window, from 1934-late 1930s, where only very early specimen were equipped with the 13.33 caliber, as a predecessor for rather common 12.68 / 13.68 respectively.

This particular piece is, based on my limited knowledge, very special. All original, honest watch retailed by the renown retailer in Prague ( Kohn ) in 1935. Watch was bought from a local collector, who got it from an elderly gentleman in Czechia many years ago.

Reminiscence of early AP VZ13 is very strong, also the large flat coin shaped bezel, quality of craftsmanship revokes the iconic PP ref.96 calatrava.

The watch has 33mm case in diameter, snap caseback, reportedly replacement crown and new crystal.

Very similar piece was also listed in the book Longines watches from John Goldberger.

I would like to know approximate market value and if possible some historical reference of the realized sales. I suppose it is very valuable and rare piece, since I was able to track 4-5 pieces of this reference among them only three equipped with the 13.33 caliber and mine example has the lowest serial number.

Thank you for all comments and feedback.

Kind regards and nice weekend!
Luke

longines_1.webp longines_2.webp longines_3.webp longines_4.webp
 
Luke Skydropper
Posts
44
Likes
101
This is the only known ( correct me if I am wrong ) specimen of this particular reference, that hit the major auction house. Not sold, yet estimate CHF12,000 - 18,000 seems reasonable to me.

It is also worth mentioning, that it was powered by 12.68Z caliber. Since this caliber was embedded to the Longines watches from 1928 it is a bit mystery for me, why there were some examples equipped with the 13.33 mechanical movement ( experimental series?).

https://www.phillips.com/detail/longines/CH080219/196
 
Luke Skydropper
Posts
44
Likes
101
This is the list of all 3501 I managed to look up during my online research.

The best example - identical configuration as mine:

Other piece with the same setup ( plus two other examples, one with the sector faded dial and one Frankenstein ) are mentioned in this post: https://omegaforums.net/threads/longines-13-33.148996/

And that's all, folks! May you have any other add ons, please share them with me/us.

Thanks in advance

Carpe diem
Luke
 
Luke Skydropper
Posts
44
Likes
101
Well, well well!

Another specimen surfaced, coming from Italy. Configuration of the dial is unique, so is the preservation state of this particular watch from 1936.

So based on my humble research, this is the 6th known example.

longines_13.33-1.webp longines_13.33-2.webp longines_13.33-3.webp
 
SWmania
Posts
153
Likes
154
There are definately few more..

imgi_22_17266051_1137991226326998_7004665586135334912_n.webp

This one looks like the same as your configuration (@cesar.zeit on IG)


imgi_13_504547676_18327104686205541_5584782583768316483_n.webp

This one sold by @matt.watches on IG.

Beautiful watches, enjoy yours 😀
 
Luke Skydropper
Posts
44
Likes
101
SWmania SWmania
There are definately few more..

imgi_22_17266051_1137991226326998_7004665586135334912_n.webp

This one looks like the same as your configuration (@cesar.zeit on IG)


imgi_13_504547676_18327104686205541_5584782583768316483_n.webp

This one sold by @matt.watches on IG.

Beautiful watches, enjoy yours 😀
Your contribution is much appreciated. Thank you and have a nice sunday

Luke
 
Luke Skydropper
Posts
44
Likes
101
yonlo yonlo
https://ebay.us/m/LuSBUU
Sold for around 2590 Euros



11F784DC-7138-41A4-9ED7-F48A2642AA08.webp 485F7F5D-6D87-4771-922F-A4646177F385.webp 2EDF8355-59C8-4EE7-A4D6-9A6275AC94BC.webp 85EBDC93-5317-4519-B9D1-5283616E52A0.webp
Thank you!

I decided to catch them all ( avaiable) of course.

Dating is incorrect. This watch was made most probably in 1935. Configuration of the hands, namely the hour hand is little bit awkward, but complementary to the rest.

Seller purchased the watch in Prague. It is stamped "Potuček" on the case back, that is characteristic bohemian ( of the czech origin ) surname. Also there is hand graved most probably inventory number on the inner side of the case back too.

It is my assumption, but based on all presented facts, it was ordered and sold to Kohn, the same retailer that commissioned also my 13.33Z variant of this particular preference.

Noteworthy, it really was used as a scientific watch, so another challenge - mystery to be resolved - is ahead of me 😀

Longines ref. 3501 rarely come up for sale. This example here is the second specimen with radium / luminous indexes, and second known black dialed.

https://andreafoffi.com/products/longines-ref-3501
 
yonlo
Posts
69
Likes
251
Luke Skydropper Luke Skydropper
Thank you!

I decided to catch them all ( avaiable) of course.

Dating is incorrect. This watch was made most probably in 1935. Configuration of the hands, namely the hour hand is little bit awkward, but complementary to the rest.

Seller purchased the watch in Prague. It is stamped "Potuček" on the case back, that is characteristic bohemian ( of the czech origin ) surname. Also there is hand graved most probably inventory number on the inner side of the case back too.

It is my assumption, but based on all presented facts, it was ordered and sold to Kohn, the same retailer that commissioned also my 13.33Z variant of this particular preference.

Noteworthy, it really was used as a scientific watch, so another challenge - mystery to be resolved - is ahead of me 😀

Longines ref. 3501 rarely come up for sale. This example here is the second specimen with radium / luminous indexes, and second known black dialed.

https://andreafoffi.com/products/longines-ref-3501
Nice dig! Thanks.
IMO the hour hand is replaced.

Can you please refer to the other known black dial? I’m aware of one non-luminous double signed. Will try to find a picture of it
 
Luke Skydropper
Posts
44
Likes
101
Hi guys,

I would like to share some updates regarding my ongoing research on the above listed ref.3501 with the stamped caseback with the surname "POTUCEK".

Actually, based on my findings, still an assumption and nothing 100% validated, this might be one of the most important Longines calatravas ever approaching the open market.

Here is what I have found:

Inside the case, there is a deposit/registry number - a detail often associated with official custody, institutional ownership, or controlled issuance. Which leads me to a hypothesis now under active verification.

Could this watch be linked to Jiří Potůček - “Tolar”, one of the most significant figures of the Czech resistance during WWII?

A radiotelegraphist, paratrooper, and member of Operation Silver A - a man for whom precision, timing, and reliability were not abstractions, but survival tools.

At this stage, this is not a conclusion, but a convergence of signals:

• the name
• the geography
• the period
• the type of instrument

Too aligned to ignore and too important to rush.

Just today, after publishing it to my Instagram profile, one of my followers reached out to me and wrote me that the watch was originally acquired (resurfaced) at Hradec Kralové, a city that was 130 km from the place where Mr. Tolar was assassinated a week after. The hotspot of his interest when he crossed paths with many eyewitnesses and supporters. Coincidence? Maybe,...and maybe not

More information will be shared on https://www.instagram.com/lukeskydr0pper/

Thank you for your interest!

800x800_Potucek_Tolar.webp
 
J_pilot
Posts
210
Likes
838
Luke Skydropper Luke Skydropper
Hi guys,

I would like to share some updates regarding my ongoing research on the above listed ref.3501 with the stamped caseback with the surname "POTUCEK".

Actually, based on my findings, still an assumption and nothing 100% validated, this might be one of the most important Longines calatravas ever approaching the open market.

Here is what I have found:

Inside the case, there is a deposit/registry number - a detail often associated with official custody, institutional ownership, or controlled issuance. Which leads me to a hypothesis now under active verification.

Could this watch be linked to Jiří Potůček - “Tolar”, one of the most significant figures of the Czech resistance during WWII?

A radiotelegraphist, paratrooper, and member of Operation Silver A - a man for whom precision, timing, and reliability were not abstractions, but survival tools.

At this stage, this is not a conclusion, but a convergence of signals:

• the name
• the geography
• the period
• the type of instrument

Too aligned to ignore and too important to rush.

Just today, after publishing it to my Instagram profile, one of my followers reached out to me and wrote me that the watch was originally acquired (resurfaced) at Hradec Kralové, a city that was 130 km from the place where Mr. Tolar was assassinated a week after. The hotspot of his interest when he crossed paths with many eyewitnesses and supporters. Coincidence? Maybe,...and maybe not

More information will be shared on https://www.instagram.com/lukeskydr0pper/

Thank you for your interest!

800x800_Potucek_Tolar.webp
Very interesting - looking forward to seeing what you uncover!
 
Luke Skydropper
Posts
44
Likes
101
J_pilot J_pilot
Very interesting - looking forward to seeing what you uncover!
Much appreciated, thank you! I will gladly share more with all enthusiasts 😀
 
Luke Skydropper
Posts
44
Likes
101
It is not only matter of importance what you ask, but WHO you ask!

This mystery has been resolved quickly.

Here is the translation of the original text written by a local (Czech) expert, Zdeněk Špitálnik, in the intersection of WW2 history and horology, too.

Good day, it sounds interesting, but I'm afraid that it's more of a wish that's the father of the idea. I'm a bit involved in the topic, so I've taken the liberty of making a small summary, or rather, excluding some possibilities, based on archival sources:

First of all, it seems highly unlikely to me that Jiří Potůček would have flown to the action with a watch with his name on it, but the special operations program was at its beginning and minor conspiracy mistakes happened here and there.

The lists of operational material that the British side supplied to the SILVER A group do not include watches. The list of material for the action that Czechoslovak intelligence officers provided is only very brief. The first major purchase of watches for paratroopers took place in 1942 and they were Rotary sports watches.

Jiří Potůček's last wish, written on October 29, 1941, was a mention of personal items stored in a bag at the telegraph platoon, which were supposed to be handed over to him after the war. According to the note from July 25, 1945, these items were not found. More detailed lists of personal belongings handed over to Jiří Potůček's mother after the war do not include watches.
The report on the shooting of Jiří Potůček, where his clothing is described, also does not include watches.

There are very few photographs of Jiří Potůček available and no watches are visible on any that I know of.

Watches and other equipment for Czechoslovak paratrooper operations are described in the article Tajná válka "Made in England" in the professional magazine Historie a vojenství 2/2022.

And finally, an advertisement from 1927 for Václav Potůček's large watchmaking business in Hradec Králové. So, in the case of an embossed inscription, couldn't it be a watchmaker's mark rather than the owner's?

As the evidence, attached are three images that concluded this case.

No, I am not dissapointed. On contrary, how many retailer signed 3501 have you ever encountered?

eterna-potucek2.webp eterna-potucek.webp potucek_ad.webp
 
J_pilot
Posts
210
Likes
838
very neat - I’d never seen one of these retailer caseback stamps before this post. Glad that your research yielded something conclusive!
 
Sign up or log in to reply...

Similar threads

E

Title: Help Identifying an Unusual Omega “Regulateur” Wristwatch (Cal. ? / SN 8.55m, ~1935)

emrod77 Vintage Omega Watches Help, Discussion and Advice
ErichKeane
ErichKeane
Posts
13
Views
567
Michal_S.

Longines 12.68z continuous flyback chronograph 1937

Michal_S. Longines Watches
SWmania
SWmania
Posts
7
Views
1K
J_pilot

Appropriate crown style - 1925 Cal.13.34

J_pilot Longines Watches
J_pilot
J_pilot
Posts
5
Views
2K
minutenrohr

Longines Ref 6591 ca. 1957 (near NOS) Cal. 12.68ZS

minutenrohr Private Watch Sales
minutenrohr
minutenrohr
Posts
7
Views
2K
SWmania

Longines 3T(Tre Tacche) coming up on Phillips HK - BEWARE

SWmania Longines Watches
Syrte
Syrte
Posts
26
Views
4K
sathomasga

FS: Longines 38mm World Time, Serviced, Full Set

sathomasga Private Watch Sales
sathomasga
sathomasga
Posts
4
Views
501