Longines Marine Nationale archive extract - Indochine

The Longines reference 5774 watch, nicknamed “Marine Nationale” or “Indochine”, is a major historical piece of French military watchmaking.

Ordered by the French Navy (Marine Nationale) after World War II, it notably equipped combat divers and sailors during the Indochina War.

Technical Specifications

• Reference: 5774

• Movement: In-house caliber Longines 12.68N.

• Case: Stainless steel with a diameter of 33.5 mm.

• Caseback: Screw-down with 6 notches, with the official “M.N.” engraving followed by the issue number.

• Dial: White, bearing the rare marking “LONGINES FAB. SUISSE”.

• Hands: Luminescent.

• Lug width: 17 mm.

• Archive extract + Longines certificate of authenticity ✅

Historical Context

This watch was delivered in three batches between 1947 and 1948 (about 3,000 to 4,000 pieces in total). It is famous for having been the issued watch of Éric Tabarly when he was a young naval aviation pilot in Indochina.

Its robust design allowed it to withstand tropical humidity and shallow diving missions (about 30 m).

A pillar of French military history: It is a direct witness to the Indochina War and to the early days of the Navy’s elite forces.

The “M.N.” marking on the case gives it a historical “soul” that few civilian watches possess.

In short, the Longines 5774 is proof that technical performance can give rise to a timeless aesthetic. Nearly 80 years after its release, it remains an absolute benchmark for anyone interested in military-issue watches.