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Lot Essay
The present ref. 6611-1 is an extremely well-preserved example of the exceedingly rare first series of the “Big Indian”, the nickname derived from its large size of 44 mm. and its destination: the Indian Air Force.
The model had been adapted to the specifications requested by the Indian Ministry of Defence and given reference number 6111. The first series, 6111-1 with movement numbers in the 7.7 range, was delivered via Longines’ agent Baume & Co. in the UK, the second series, 6111-2, movement numbers 8.315xxx, directly to the Avadi Air Force base in Avadi, near Madras (today Chennai) in India.
The first series such as the present example were fitted with calibre 15.68N movements with indirect sweep centre mechanism with hacking feature, the second series, 6111-2, with calibre 14.68N without the hacking feature.
The watches feature easily readable dials with luminous numerals and hands, inner 24-hour indication, large water and shock-resistant anti-magnetic cases and fixed bar lugs. The dials, movements and outside case backs are marked with the military broad arrow symbol, the outside case backs additionally with a three-digit military issue number. The two last digits of this number are repeated to the inside case back, underneath the reference, and stamped underneath a lug, in this instance no. 34.
Another noteworthy detail of the present watch are the cathedral hands as opposed to the pencil versions of later editions.
The number of references 6111-1 having reappeared since is however exceptionally small, presumably only a handful of these ultra-rare watches have resurfaced in public in recent years. This fact combined with the excellent, original overall condition and freshness to the market render the present "Big Indian" an extraordinarily rare find.
For a description of the second series of the model, reference 6111-2 with illustrations of Longines' ledgers and other examples of this model see British Military Timepieces by Kondrad Knirim, pp 666 & 667. Another example of a reference 6111-2 is illustrated in Longines Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 130 & 131.
The model had been adapted to the specifications requested by the Indian Ministry of Defence and given reference number 6111. The first series, 6111-1 with movement numbers in the 7.7 range, was delivered via Longines’ agent Baume & Co. in the UK, the second series, 6111-2, movement numbers 8.315xxx, directly to the Avadi Air Force base in Avadi, near Madras (today Chennai) in India.
The first series such as the present example were fitted with calibre 15.68N movements with indirect sweep centre mechanism with hacking feature, the second series, 6111-2, with calibre 14.68N without the hacking feature.
The watches feature easily readable dials with luminous numerals and hands, inner 24-hour indication, large water and shock-resistant anti-magnetic cases and fixed bar lugs. The dials, movements and outside case backs are marked with the military broad arrow symbol, the outside case backs additionally with a three-digit military issue number. The two last digits of this number are repeated to the inside case back, underneath the reference, and stamped underneath a lug, in this instance no. 34.
Another noteworthy detail of the present watch are the cathedral hands as opposed to the pencil versions of later editions.
The number of references 6111-1 having reappeared since is however exceptionally small, presumably only a handful of these ultra-rare watches have resurfaced in public in recent years. This fact combined with the excellent, original overall condition and freshness to the market render the present "Big Indian" an extraordinarily rare find.
For a description of the second series of the model, reference 6111-2 with illustrations of Longines' ledgers and other examples of this model see British Military Timepieces by Kondrad Knirim, pp 666 & 667. Another example of a reference 6111-2 is illustrated in Longines Watches by John Goldberger, pp. 130 & 131.