Longines Cal.706 18ct 1972

Description

Est. 1832 in Saint-Imier, Longines is one of the oldest Swiss watch manufacturers with an unparalleled history of invention, innovation, patents and awards. The company is also responsible for some of the most beautiful watches ever made, however it has been something of a Cinderella among the watch collecting fraternity until recently. Longines is now rightfully returning towards the elevated status it once held in the pre and post-war years when it competed head to head, very successfully, with all the very best Swiss watch manufacturers. It is only within the past three years or so that Longines vintage watches have risen again in the eyes of collectors, to the admiration and popularity they rightfully deserve, with vintage values rising by as much as 15 – 20% per year. On certain models, however, such as the now legendary Longines Calibre.13ZN chronograph, prices have sky-rocketed.

Here we have a wonderful example of Longines style and elegance from 1972 when the company was at its peak, just a few years before quartz watches arrived and almost ended this and many other great Swiss watch companies.

As can be seen, this is a classic 1970s Longines hand-wound gentleman’s dress watch with centre seconds. Its charm lies within its clean lines, simple onyx inlaid ‘Index’ hands and matching faceted ‘baton’ hour indices.

This watch has just completed a full restoration by ourselves and the high-grade Longines Calibre 706 movement is in sparkling condition.

The Dial

The silver-white dial is a classic example of Longines style and elegance. Clean, simple, classic design, and very understated. The ‘Index’ hands are inlaid with onyx and are matched with ‘baton’ hour indices. The dial subtly changes colour from slightly off-white, to a silver-white, to an ivory cream, depending on the ambient light, which we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs.

We are particular admirers of Longines dials which always seem to score more highly and are always that bit closer to classic perfection. Even the name and the brand look more ‘in place’ than any other, which incidentally is the oldest registered trademark of any watch manufacturer.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by our dial restorers, considered to be best in the UK.

The Movement

The original Longines Calibre 706, 17 jewel, hand-wound movement is very accurate and reliable, aided by its particularly large balance wheel. As can be seen, the movement is in tip-top condition having just completed an overhaul, and service, by our watchmaker. This means it has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected under high magnification, and rebuilt, using only original Longines parts where required. When tested and calibrated, this watch was running to within +4 seconds per day, which is truly outstanding for any watch of this age. This is no exaggeration as it has been tested and confirmed on our electronic Timegrapher. This movement also has a power reserve of 37hrs.

The movement is correctly signed ‘Longines Watch Co’, ‘Swiss’ and ‘17 jewels’, with the Calibre number 706 and the movement serial number 52279561 which dates the watch to 1972.

These movements are highly regarded for their accuracy and reliability making this watch perfectly suited for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in top condition and with regular servicing, we would fully expect this watch to provide faithful service for many more decades to come. We are therefore more than pleased and confident to offer our 12-month warranty on this watch movement* and all servicing in the future.

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

The Watch Case 

The Longines Swiss 18ct yellow gold, three-piece watch case is beautifully constructed, the lugs are straight and swept back and the flat case-back is blemish free. In fact, from any viewpoint, there are no scratches, dings or other marks visible to the naked eye.

The case measures 35mm in diameter, excluding the correct Longines signed crown. The watch measures 39mm lug to lug and is quite thin at 8.5mm in depth, including the lens.

Inside the case-back, the case is correctly signed ‘Longines’, ‘Fab Suisse’ and ‘ Swiss Made’, with Swiss 18ct hallmarks and the reference numbers 3612 and 857.

The Strap and Buckle

The strap fitted is a new Longines Brown Alligator strap with a Longines yellow gold-plated buckle. However, 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 and in plain padded leather, or crocodile skin or lizard skin.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the numbers and markings on the watch are all correct, dating the watch to 1972. A detailed written receipt with a 12 month 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 at any time, 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”.

The hardwood presentation case shown in the photographs is included with this watch.

In Conclusion

Here we have a beautiful and high-class vintage watch from one of the most collectable and highly regarded vintage watch brands which will make an excellent financial investment as well as be something to wear, treasure and enjoy! It is completely practical for use as an everyday watch and as long as it is well cared for and serviced every 4-5 years, it will last another lifetime. It carries a great deal more style, individuality and panache than a new watch and it will climb in value almost from the day of purchase. To buy the same quality today would cost at least three or four times the price here.

However you may wish to view it, 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 good value and very 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. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

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.

Thank you.