Rare Longines Chasseral Pocket Watch c.1886

A very rare Longines-Chasseral 15 jewel pocket watch c.1886. Complete with its protective outer case, this gunmetal watch, which would originally have been black, is typical of the timepieces sought by officers. More resilient than silver or nickel, at this time, gunmetal watches offered a better alternative for those seeking a timepiece that could withstand the rigours of an active life.In 1885, Longines registered its company and winged hourglass logo as its trademark, where 'Longines' was the name of the region in which the company founded its factory. However, the following year, the name 'Chasseral' was considered as the new name by which the brand would be identified; Chasseral being the name of the prominent peak in the surrounding mountain range. This name ceased to be used in 1889, and since then, Longines and its distinct winged hourglass have been used solely to represent the company. As is, this watch does bear an engraved wing emblem on the balance bridge, beneath the regulator arm.Offered in working order, the watch case has surface signs of speckling and patina the dial has some enamel loss.