Longines Calatrava ‘Tre Tacche’ ref. 4748 Steel from 1938

This Longines Calatrava ‘Tre Tacche’, catches the essence of early tool watch. Nicknamed by the Italian watch collector community, ‘Tre Tacche’ refers to the three notches on its screwed case back—a feature that allowed secure sealing from water and dust, which could be accessed for servicing with a specialized tool.

Crafted in 1938, this vintage Longines features a robust steel case, a hallmark of durability and ruggedness that defined the era’s tool watches. Its bold presence is complemented by an exquisitely preserved sector-style dial, a design admired for its utility at the time.  The dial’s clean layout enhances legibility, while its vintage charm makes it a standout among collectors today.

Inside runs the Longines caliber 12.68Z, a manual wind Longines movement which is renowned for its reliability and precision. This example is further complimented by an original Longines strap and a period-correct buckle.