Dear all,
As seen, I own two related examples of this Longines female figure: one standard free-standing statuette and one example which has been configured as a table lamp.
I cannot provide a definitive archival attribution, but I can at least share the measurements and observations from my own examples for comparison.
My standard free-standing statuette came from Spain and is the closer comparison to Sergei’s example. The second example came from the United States and has been incorporated into a table lamp. I would be cautious with the lamp version, as I personally suspect that the lamp configuration may be a later adaptation rather than an original Longines factory or dealer display object. I would therefore not use it as proof of an official Longines lamp variant. It is nevertheless interesting as evidence that the same or a closely related Longines figure existed and was later reused or modified.
The statuette depicts a standing female allegorical figure in a classical Art Nouveau / Belle Époque style, probably intended as a personification of time, elegance or progress in connection with Longines.
The figure stands in a dynamic, slightly twisting pose on a round pedestal, which is mounted on a square base. She is dressed in a flowing, draped garment with pronounced folds, partly wrapped around the body and continuing as a sweeping cloth-like element along her side.
The extended right arm most likely served a presentational purpose. It may originally have held or presented a small watch, possibly a pocket watch. This area appears to be fragile, and in the examples known to me the original arm or end configuration is not fully preserved.
The circular pedestal is decorated with the Longines winged hourglass emblem, while the front of the square base bears the raised inscription “LONGINES”. The overall design strongly suggests a historical Longines advertising or point-of-sale display object, probably intended for use in a jeweller’s or watch retailer’s shop window, counter display, or showroom environment.
My standard example is not solid cast, but hollow inside. The material appears to be a dark patinated metal, possibly bronze or a bronzed alloy.
The measurements of my standard free-standing example are approximately as follows:
Height: around 160 mm
Weight: approx. 562 grams
Base: approx. 65 × 65 mm
Width: approx. 100 mm, estimated because the original arm/end configuration is not fully preserved
Lower depth / diameter of the round pedestal: approx. 40 mm, the figure tapers slightly upwards from the lower part
Compared with Sergei’s example, which was described as approximately 180 mm high and weighing a little over 800 grams, there may be differences in casting, material thickness, base construction, or completeness. The higher weight could suggest a more solid casting, a different production variant, or simply variation in the way these objects were manufactured.
Based on my long-standing experience with Longines and similar historical display material, I would not necessarily expect the Longines archives to provide a definitive answer on this type of object. They are usually very helpful when it comes to watches and production records, but historical advertising or point-of-sale material is often much less systematically documented. A precise dating and production context may therefore be difficult to confirm, as you have seen.
That said, the object is in my view clearly connected to Longines. The winged hourglass emblem, the raised LONGINES inscription, and the known existence of comparable examples all point towards a genuine historical Longines display or advertising object rather than a purely decorative later fantasy piece.
I would tentatively place it in the early 20th century, probably within the broader Belle Époque / early advertising display tradition, but I would avoid giving a more precise date without further evidence.
I hope these measurements and observations are useful for comparison.
Kind regards,
bb64
