This is a Longines automatic tonneau case with an engraved caseback awarding an individual “Khoo Ah Jee” for his 25 years of loyal service in Union Carbide in 1981. Now, it’s pretty common to see watches gifted to a loyal employee who had worked hard for many decades in a company, but this watch have more story to tell.
To start, let’s talk about the company engraved in the back of this Longines. Union Carbide, founded in 1917 is a US chemical company that made ethylene from natural gas, giving birth to the modern petrochemical industry. In 1984, tragedy struck, toxic gas leaked in Union Carbide India’s division where over 500,000 people in the vicinity of Bhopal, India were exposed to the highly toxic gas and an estimate death toll of 8,000 people. Known as the “Bhopal disaster”, this disaster was considered to be the worse industrial disaster in the world.
This disaster took place just 3 years after the 25 years service engraved caseback on this watch that the individual “Khoo Ah Jee” was awarded. Now, we have no idea who this individual might be or if he would have any associations with the tragedy. But what we can tell is how much stories are packed into the history of this individual watch itself.
Condition Report:
This watch is in overall good and original condition. There are small and consistent bubbling throughout the original champagne dial. The case had been lightly polished in the past and shows dents throughout the case, with the gold filling still thick and no fading. The watch comes with its original factory gold filled bracelet, with the gold surface starting to corrode consistently around the bracelet. The watch also comes with a bonus new leather strap from us. The watch had been fully overhauled and serviced and is keeping excellent time. Video of timegrapher result after service is available upon request.
Watch Specifications:
Ref. 4873-1
Cal. L990.1 Automatic
Gold filled
Year 1981
Diameter 32x36mm
Diameter with crown 34mm
Thickness 11mm
Watch only
Cal. L990.1 Automatic
Gold filled
Year 1981
Diameter 32x36mm
Diameter with crown 34mm
Thickness 11mm
Watch only
PRICE: $649
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