Longines – Ref. 5967 Original 1953 18kt. Gold Flyback Chronograph – Cal. 30.CH

This is a Longines ref. 5967 flyback chronograph in solid 18kt gold, powered by the manually wound Calibre 30CH, in excellent condition. Its complete with its Extract from the Archives confirming sale on 22 January 1953 to Wirth, here in Switzerland.

The Calibre 30CH succeeded the legendary 13ZN and is among the most collected chronographs. It is a column-wheel chronograph with flyback function — a complication that allows the chronograph hand to be instantaneously reset to zero and restarted with a single push, without first stopping the mechanism. Originally developed for aviation, the 30CH became a favourite of pilots, physicians, and sports professionals. The movement has 18 jewels and remained in production from the 1947 through the 1970s.

Here is a concise summary of the key changes:

The 13ZN (1936–c.1947) required extensive manual finishing — and each watchmaker’s hand-finishing was unique, meaning parts from one movement could not be swapped into another assembled by a different watchmaker. This made the 13ZN costly to produce and difficult to service.

The 30CH was designed to solve this. It used standardised, machine-finished components that were interchangeable across movements regardless of who assembled them. Assembly was faster and more consistent.

Both calibres share the same diameter (29.80mm)but with the 30.CH the flyback complication became optional.

The 18kt gold case measures 38mm excluding the original crown and is in excellent condition with the faceted lugs characteristic of this reference. The caseback is correctly signed and numbered.

The silvered dial is in very good original and untouched condition with a light and even patina. Arabic numerals and arrow indices alternate, and the two registers — 30-minute counter at 3, running seconds at 9. Original gold feuille hands.

The 30CH runs has been serviced by our in-house watchmaker. The watch is accompanied by its Extract from the Archives.

It is fitted with a new crocodile strap and the plexy glass is perfect.

It is delivered with our six-month guarantee and our originality certificate.

Worldwide shipping is available and inquiries are welcome.