Unknown Longines bronze advertising statuette with winged hourglass logo

ser1y · May 26, 2026

Bronze statuette, approximately 18 cm tall and 835 g. Winged hourglass logo cast into the globe/base with LONGINES inscription. Looking for information about whether this could be an early Longines advertising display, dealer’s shop figure or pocket watch stand.

Tony C. · May 26, 2026

I'm sure that it was an official LONGINES marketing piece. Are their holes in the figure's hands? If not, then it is unlikely to have been used to display pocket watches.

ser1y · May 26, 2026

Here are some additional photos of the left and right hands. It seems to me that there may originally have been something attached to the right hand, perhaps some kind of holder or hanger for a pocket watch.

AAAKK · May 26, 2026

From the Longines museum:

J_pilot · May 26, 2026

just dropping in to say what a PHENOMENAL find!! Thank you for sharing!

Radiumpassion · May 27, 2026

What a find! WOW

ser1y · May 27, 2026

This piece was found in an attic in Ukraine. I would be very interested to know the approximate production date and possible value of it. Also, where would you recommend selling such a rare Longines advertising piece - a specialized watch auction, antiques auction, or perhaps directly through collector forums?

Thank you very much for your help and for sharing the museum photo - it is incredibly interesting and seems very close to my statuette.

Tony C. · May 27, 2026

My guess would be 1930s, though it could be a bit older.

Specific value is almost impossible to predict with any confidence, as there aren't others to compare.

t_kermi · May 30, 2026

That's a gorgeous piece of Longines history. If I were selling something like that I would probably first try ebay auction and put the minimum price high enough that you were 100% happy with it. Someone with an extensive Longines watch collection could end up paying quite a lot for it.

ser1y · Jun 1, 2026

Here are the results of the XRF analysis of the statuette.

According to the analysis, the alloy consists of approximately:

Copper (Cu): 90.84%
Zinc (Zn): 7.59%

with small traces of other elements.

The person who performed the XRF analysis told me that modern reproductions and decorative copies are typically made from much cheaper alloys, often zinc-based or aluminum-based materials. In his opinion, items with this type of high-copper alloy are generally not used for modern mass-produced copies.

The measured specific gravity is approximately 8.1, which is also consistent with a copper-based alloy.

In addition, the overall appearance, surface wear, oxidation, and casting characteristics strongly suggest that this is an old object rather than a recently manufactured reproduction.

I would be very interested to know whether these results are consistent with the materials used for original Longines display pieces from the early 20th century.

ser1y · Jun 1, 2026

Photo

Waltesefalcon · Jun 1, 2026

It's interesting that it is more a brass alloy than a bronze alloy. Granted, I know next to nothing about what alloys are used in casting bronze statutes but I expected to see tin instead of zinc.

ser1y · Jun 1, 2026

The person who performed the XRF analysis is very experienced with metal alloys. According to him, the alloy is most likely tombac (tombak), which is a high-copper brass alloy.

He explained that this may also account for the aged appearance of the statuette, since tombac is generally more susceptible to corrosion and surface oxidation than bronze, especially when exposed to decades of temperature and humidity fluctuations, such as in an attic environment.

He also mentioned that decorative statuettes and display pieces were often made from tombac because of its attractive golden color and its ability to take a bright polish, making it visually appealing for advertising and display purposes.

What I find particularly interesting now is the museum example. I would be very curious to know what alloy was used for the Longines Museum statuette and whether it is made from the same material.

Waltesefalcon · Jun 1, 2026

I'm willing to bet that yours and the museum's are the same alloy.

ser1y · Jun 1, 2026

Waltesefalcon
I'm willing to bet that yours and the museum's are the same alloy.

Thank you. That is exactly what the XRF operator suggested as well. He identified the alloy as tombac (high-copper brass), which was often used for decorative castings because of its bright appearance. It would be very interesting to know whether the museum example is made from the same alloy.

Radiumpassion · Jun 1, 2026

I would think this is over 100 years old. Thank you for the lesson in metallurgy👍

ser1y · Jun 2, 2026

I have received an official reply from Longines Brand Heritage regarding the statuette.

Their response was:
“This is an Art Deco-style statuette that was used as a Longines decorative display for retailers.”

So Longines has officially confirmed that the piece is indeed a Longines retailer display item.

Many thanks to everyone who contributed information, especially those who shared photographs of the museum example. Without your help, I probably would never have contacted Longines directly.

I have now sent a follow-up request to Longines asking whether they can provide additional archive information, including the production period, dimensions, weight, material, and any catalog references related to this display piece.

Thank you all again for your help. I will post any additional information if Longines provides further details.

bigbug1964 · Thurs. 3:12pm

Et voila!

ser1y · Thurs. 3:21pm

bigbug1964
Et voila!

Thank you very much for sharing these photos!

This is fascinating. The small figurine looks extremely similar to mine.

May I ask if you know the approximate age of these items, and whether the small figurine originally had a hook for displaying a pocket watch?

Also, if possible, could you please tell me the height and weight of the small figurine?

Thank you again for your help.

bigbug1964 · Thurs. 3:39pm

Sure, will reply after the we 😉