empressissi™ is pleased to offer this original, interesting and unique LONGINES open face pocket watch from the early 30s, commemorating the Bulgarian coup d'etat taking place in 1923. We are basing our research on the inscription in Bulgarian in the back followed by a trooper: "1923 To the Officers" and the information we received from the Longines Heritage department as follows:
The original serial number 4'622'041 identifies a pocket watch in metal. It is fitted with a Longines manually wound mechanical movement, caliber 18.69N and was invoiced on 2 February 1932 to the company Zora, which was at that time our agent for Bulgaria.
The watch houses a high grade cal. 18.69N with micro regulator in gilt finish, running well on 15 jewels. It is cased in a silver-nickel alloy case of elegant decoration with a unique side closure ideal for a chain and a decorated frame, bow and onion crown as common in the Eastern European markets. Fine low dome mineral crystal. The back depicts a soldier of apparent Bulgarian origin with the inscription in Cyrillic letters: "1923, To the officers" which suggests this item was ordered as a probable souvenir to participating personel about a decade later.
The dial is a factory original with classic 12/24 design and in overall very good condition and has the original set of hands.
This one of a kind Longines pocket watch measures 49mm side to side (excluding crown) and is just 9mm thick including the crystal.
