September 2025 — A rare vintage Longines chronograph recently sold for a staggering $88,197.70 in an online Goodwill auction, stunning collectors and casual bidders alike.

The unassuming listing titled simply “Longines watch for repair” concealed what horology experts now recognize as an exceptionally rare timepiece: a Longines Reference 5699 chronograph, equipped with the prestigious 13ZN movement — one of the most revered vintage chronograph calibers ever produced.

Originally manufactured in the 1940s, this particular model is known by collectors as the “Doppia Lancetta,” Italian for “double hand,” referencing its unique fourth central hand used to track elapsed minutes — an uncommon feature even among high-end chronographs.

A Rare Find

Only about 250 examples of the Reference 5699 were ever made, most of them in gold. This version, in a 39.5mm stainless steel waterproof case, makes it even more valuable due to the rarity of steel-cased chronographs from that era.

Despite showing signs of wear and being listed as “for parts or repair,” the watch remained entirely original — a key factor in vintage watch collecting. Experts praised it as an “honest” example, meaning it had not been heavily polished or restored, retaining much of its original character.

Unexpected Auction Platform

What made the sale even more surprising was the platform. Goodwill’s online auction site is typically home to second-hand household goods and donated clothing — not ultra-rare collector’s pieces. Yet, savvy collectors spotted the value quickly, sparking a bidding war that pushed the final price to just over $88,000.

“It’s like finding a Picasso at a garage sale,” one vintage dealer commented. “To see a 13ZN Longines of this caliber pop up on Goodwill is almost unheard of.”

The Legacy of the 13ZN

Longines’ 13ZN movement, developed in the 1930s, was one of the first chronograph calibers to feature a flyback function and is considered a masterpiece of watch engineering. Watches powered by it have fetched high five- and even six-figure sums at major auctions like Phillips and Christie’s.

A Reminder to Keep Looking

The sale serves as a reminder that treasures can still be hiding in plain sight. For collectors, it also underscores the enduring appeal of vintage chronographs — especially those from heritage brands like Longines, which continue to gain respect in the collecting community.

Whether it ends up in a private collection or a museum, this timepiece’s unexpected journey from a donation bin to an $88,000 spotlight is sure to become legend among vintage watch enthusiasts.