Longines 9ct ‘Explorer’ Cal.30L 1950 – Immaculate

Description

Longines is one of the oldest Swiss watch manufacturers with an unparalleled history of invention, innovation, patents and awards. They are also responsible for some of the most beautiful watches ever made. For a long time, something of a Cinderella among the watch collecting fraternity, Longines is now rightfully returning to the elevated status they once held in the pre and post war years.  It is only relatively recently that Longines vintage watches have returned to the admiration and popularity they deserve, with values rising on average by 15% per year. Certain models however, such as the now legendary Longines Calibre 13ZN chronograph have sky-rocketed.

Here we have a classic example of Longines style and elegance from the early ’50s when technically, Longines competed head to head and on level terms with almost all of the top tier Swiss watch manufacturers. This is a superb example of a 1950 vintage Longines 9ct gentleman’s dress watch with subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock. The notable features of this watch are its classic look ‘Explorer’ type dial and its superb condition. The high quality movement is also in spectacular condition!

The Watch Dial

The Silver-White ‘Explorer’ type dial with restored Dauphine hands and sub-dial at 6 o’clock, is a classic design which was also used by Rolex and Omega from the early 1950s onwards. The applied gilt 3, 9, 12 numerals and dagger indices became known as the ‘Explorer’ dial after Rolex capitalised on the first summit of Everest, having supplied the expedition with watches of a similar design, and subsequently named this the ‘Explorer’ model.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the very highest standards by the best dial restorers in the UK.

The Watch Case

The high quality 9ct yellow three-piece gold case is of solid construction and measures 33mm across the dial, not including the Longines crown. The case was manufactured in the U.K. by Dennison, for Longines’ British partner Baume, as shown on the inside of the case-back. The case-back also carries Birmingham 9ct UK hallmarks, along with the model ref 13322 and the case serial number 329859.

This watch has obviously been very well cared for, having seen only occasional use as evidenced by the bubble case-back in particular, which is completely scratch and blemish free.  The rest of the case has no marks, dings or scratches visible to the naked eye and has only required a professional clean and light hand-polish as part of the restoration.

The Movement

The original high grade Cal. 30L, 17 Jewels hand-wound movement, as with all Longines movements, is highly regarded for its accuracy and reliability. Longines watch movements have always been highly revered among watchmakers and serious collectors and this has driven the popularity of their watches up, among the main collector market in recent years.

Following restoration, the movement is now in sparkling condition. As can be seen from the photographs, the movement could be mistaken for that of a new watch, but we assure you it is the original, as evidenced by its markings. It is signed ‘Longines Watch Co Swiss’, 17 Jewels, 30L with the serial number 92519 which dates the watch to 1950. The movement has just been fully overhauled and serviced by our watchmaker and it is calibrated to run arrow straight within +9 seconds/day with a 43-hour power reserve when fully wound. This is no exaggeration – we have checked the test results on our electronic watch timegrapher and have no reservations in providing 12 months’ written warranty with this watch*

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only included if the list price is paid.

This watch is perfectly suited for regular daily use and with care and regular servicing, say every 2–3 years, we are confident this watch will run quite happily and reliably, probably for another lifetime!

The Strap and Buckle

The strap fitted is a high quality Brown Leather strap with a gold plated Longines buckle.  If a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige free of charge. We carry Tan, Conker, Dark Brown and Black in stock, in plain padded leather, or crocodile skin or lizard skin. Please also let us know if you have unusually large or small wrists, to enable us to match the strap accordingly.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with the watch, the numbers and markings are all correct, dating this watch to 1950. A detailed written receipt with 12 months’ warranty* and a separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.

A high quality hardwood presentation box will be included in the sale.

In Conclusion

Here we have a most attractive and highly individual vintage watch from what is increasingly becoming one of the most collectable and highly regarded vintage watch brands. This watch will make an excellent financial investment as well as something to treasure and enjoy! It is completely practical for use as an everyday watch and as long as it is well looked after and serviced every 2-3 years it will last another lifetime. It carries a great deal more style, individuality and panache than a new watch and to buy a watch of the same quality today, would cost at least three times the price of this.

However you may wish to view this, as each year goes by and the world market for fine vintage gold watches grows even larger, the limited supply and high demand means prices will inevitably climb even higher!

A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before then restoring them to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post sales care and service. This approach means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We therefore consider our prices to be fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

We are happy to accept payment via PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you.

If you have any questions please call on Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250 or if calling from overseas on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges.

Please take a look at our other vintage gold watches.