LONGINES Quartz watch in gilt metal and steel that belonged to General de Gaulle Li Quartz (Lithium) No. 20526337 Barrel case, gilded metal bezel, snap-fastening back marked "Lithium" and numbered "20526337". Patinated dial with Roman numerals, central railway minute track, central second hand and date window, signed "Li Quartz". Quartz movement (a complete overhaul is required). H. 37 mm l. 33 mm Provenance : - Charles de Gaulle (1890-1970) - Then Admiral Philippe de Gaulle (1921-2024) - Then descendants Commentary: The first quartz watches from Longines marked an important turning point in the history of the brand and of watchmaking in general. Longines, a renowned Swiss watchmaking company founded in 1832, distinguished itself by its pioneering role in the adoption and development of quartz technology, particularly in the second half of the 20th century. Like many Swiss companies, Longines embarked on the quartz race during the 1960s, a period when the watchmaking world was in upheaval due to technological advances. In 1969, the quartz movement was first introduced on a large scale by Seiko with the Astron, but Longines and other Swiss brands soon followed. Longines continued to innovate in the field of quartz, producing ever slimmer and more efficient watches, as shown by our example numbered in 1969. Today, Longines continues to produce quartz watches alongside its mechanical models, combining watchmaking tradition with modern technology. The brand's quartz models are still highly prized for their reliability and meticulous aesthetics.