ANTIQUE 1930s LONGINES Silver “9 Grands Prix” Pocket Watch – German Tank Brigade

Offered for auction is an exceptionally rare, historically significant Longines 0.800 solid silver pocket watch, circa 1930s. Commissioned as an exclusive presentation piece for a German Tank Brigade officer in the post-WWI era, this timepiece perfectly marries high-grade Swiss horology with profound military provenance. The watch measures a substantial 51mm in diameter and is preserved in perfect working order.

With its striking enamel dial, intricate military motifs, and flawless Longines mechanics, this piece is an absolute must-have for serious collectors of early 20th-century militaria and exceptional vintage timepieces.

Historical Context & Significance

During the 1930s, Germany was rapidly modernizing its armed forces, placing a massive strategic emphasis on the development of armored warfare and the formation of elite tank brigades. Presentation watches like this Longines were rarely standard-issue; rather, they were privately commissioned or awarded to distinguished officers and commanders within these newly formed armored divisions to commemorate their service, leadership, and dedication.

The dial proudly bears the inscription “Alles für Deutschland” (Everything for Germany), a nationalist motto widely used during the interwar and 1930s period to inspire unity and devotion to the country’s resurgence. Paired with the meticulously detailed early tank illustration and the iron-style military cross, this watch serves as a highly personal artifact of early mechanized military history.

Detailed Specifications & Condition Report

The Dial 

• Material & Design: Flawless original white enamel dial featuring a highly detailed illustration of an early German tank proudly positioned beneath the Longines signature.

• Numerals & Hands: Crisp, bold black Arabic numerals (1-12) offering excellent legibility, paired with elegant, original gold-tone Louis XV-style hands.

• Sub-Dial details: A large, sunken sub-seconds register at the 6 o’clock position features a striking black military cross at its center. The register is dramatically crowned with the Gothic script inscription: “Alles für Deutschland”.

• Condition: The enamel is remarkably preserved with a brilliant luster, showing no visible hairlines or chips in the provided images.

The Case

• Dimensions: A robust 51mm in diameter (excluding the crown and bow), offering substantial weight and a commanding presence in the hand.

• Material: Crafted from high-grade 0.800 solid silver, accented by beautiful rose-gold tone/gilt edging around the bezels, creating a stunning two-tone visual effect .

• Case Back: The rear cover features an exquisite engine-turned (guilloché) pattern, centered around a vacant shield cartouche—ready for personal engraving but historically left unmonogrammed .

• Hallmarks: The inner case back is fully stamped with the Longines EFCo (Francillon) winged hourglass logo, the Swiss grouse silver hallmark, and the “0,800” purity mark. Serial number 4623362 is sharply stamped.

• The Cuvette (Dust Cover): The exterior of the inner dust cover is a true work of art, intricately engraved with the prestigious “LONGINES 9 GRANDS PRIX” exhibition medals, attesting to the brand’s global dominance in precision timekeeping .

The Movement (

• Caliber: Original Longines manufacture mechanical, manual-wind movement.

• Finishing: The movement exhibits a pristine, rich gilt finish with beautifully polished steel components and large, vibrant ruby jewels set in countersinks.

• Signatures: Fully signed “LONGINES” on the bridge, with the matching serial number 4623362 confirming this watch is entirely original and matching.

• Functionality: The watch has been thoroughly tested and is running smoothly in perfect working order, keeping excellent time. The crown winds buttery smooth and sets the hands accurately.

Summary: Finding a genuine 1930s Longines 9 Grands Prix pocket watch is a collector’s joy, but discovering one with such a specific, bespoke military dial honoring an early German Tank Brigade is exceedingly rare. This timepiece is a pristine mechanical marvel and a museum-quality artifact ready to become the crown jewel of any serious horological or military collection.

Please carefully review all high-resolution images as they are considered part of the item description. Feel free to message with any technical questions prior to bidding. Secure, fully insured international shipping will be provided.

• It comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $3000