Longines - split second chronograph - cal.18.89 rattrapante - 1900-1949

A fine 14k gold openface keyless split seconds chronograph watch signed Henry Oemisch Co.

Date: Circa 1920

Longines holds a special place in the history of Swiss chronograph making, and its early split-second calibers are among the most celebrated achievements of the brand. The 18.89 rattrapante, produced in very limited quantities at the beginning of the 20th century, is widely regarded as one of Longines’ finest technical constructions: beautifully finished, mechanically elegant, and impressively precise for its era. These early Longines split-seconds were supplied to top retailers and observatories worldwide, earning a reputation for reliability and aesthetic refinement that still captivates collectors today. Owning a Longines 18.89 rattrapante is not only acquiring a remarkable complication, but a truly important piece of early chronograph history.


Movement: Nickel lever, bi-metallic compensation balance, Breguet overcoil balance spring, adjusted, swan neck regulator, wolf, no.1722168

Dial: White enamel, Arabic numerals, outer 5th second and minute track, subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 30 minute recording, blued steel spade hands and centre blued steel and gilt split second chronograph hands

Glass: there seems to be a little dent around the 2pm mark

Case: Polished hinged back and cuvette, no.3950
Solid gold 14kt (probably for US market)

Watch has been stored in a safe for the last several years.
All functions work. The split second hand takes a bit of time to catch up. It would be good to have it serviced in the near future.