Longines
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. 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 between 15 and 20% per year. Certain models, however, such as the now legendary Longines Calibre 13ZN chronograph have sky-rocketed.
Description
Here we have a superb, fully restored example of the Longines Flagship from 1966 when from a technical standpoint, Longines was competing head to head with and beating almost all of the other Swiss watch manufacturers. The immaculate Flagship we see here has a large size 9ct yellow gold case, size 35mm in diameter, excluding the correct Longines signed crown. The watch is fitted with a high-grade Longines Calibre 345 movement which is very highly regarded for its accuracy and reliability. This watch has a date function and carries the Flagship motif on the case-back which is clear and distinct, indicating this watch has seen little use and has not been over-polished.
The Dial
During the 1950s and ’60s, Longines excelled in every aspect of watch design and manufacture. The company was rightfully held in very high regard for the quality of its movements and close examination of any of its watch cases reveals equally high attention to design detail, quality, and purpose. We are strong believers Longines ‘Classic’ vintage watch dial designs are a step ahead in terms of style, elegance and sophistication.
The ivory cream dial design here is very clean, simple and elegant. Everything is in perfect proportion and the dial just works, so well. The original restored gilt ‘Index’ hands pair with applied ‘Baton’ faceted hour indices and the Longines signature sits perfectly over the applied Longines winged hourglass logo, which incidentally, is actually the oldest registered trademark of any watch manufacturer. The watch is signed ‘Longines’, ‘Flagship’, ‘Automatic’ with ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom of the dial.
This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the UK.
The Movement
This watch contains its original Longines Calibre.345, 17 Jewel automatic movement which is held in very high regard for its accuracy and reliability. Following its restoration, overhaul and service it is now in immaculate condition. The movement has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt using only original Longines parts where required and when tested and calibrated, this watch was running to within +9 seconds per day, which is excellent for a vintage watch of this age! When fully wound, this movement also has a 42 hour power reserve.
The movement is signed ‘Longines’, ‘Swiss’ and ’17 Jewels’ with the Calibre No.345 and the Serial No. 13498156. This movement serial number dates this watch to 1966.
These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable making this watch appropriate for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in top condition and with regular servicing, every 3 – 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to give very faithful service for many more decades to come! We are pleased to offer a 12-month warranty on this watch movement* and regular servicing in the future, as required.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the full list price is paid.
The Watch Case
The 9ct yellow gold case has straight swept back lugs which raise the case slightly on the wrist and emphasises its presence. At 35mm in diameter, excluding the Longines crown, this watch is large for the period. The case is of a three-piece design with a screw down case-back which carries the Flagship motif on the case-back. This is clear and crisp indicating this watch has received very little use and has not been over-polished.
The case has been professionally cleaned and lightly polished and is in superb condition and the crown is, of course, an original signed Longines crown. The case is in immaculate condition with no scratches, dings or other marks visible to the naked eye and shows no signs of anything other than very light and careful use.
Inside the Longines Swiss made case is signed ‘LONGINES’, ‘FAB SUISSE’, and ‘SWISS MADE’, with Swiss Geneva 9ct hallmarks and ‘Flagship’ plus the Longines model ref. no 3418.
Please note: The case-back seals in the crown/stem, have been replaced by new Longines original parts. Even so, the water resistance of this watch has not been tested and it is not guaranteed. As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage Watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap & Buckle
A new, high-quality black Lizard strap has been fitted, along with a gold plated Longines 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 in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of 19mm straps if you wish here.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1966. 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”.
As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no quibble sale or return policy.
The matching vintage Longines presentation box in the photographs will be included with this watch.
In Conclusion
This is a wonderful example of one of the most beautiful and sought after vintage Longines available. A classic usable and highly collectable vintage gold gentleman’s dress watch from one horology’s most highly respected names which is something of beauty, to use, wear, treasure and enjoy!
This watch will also make an excellent investment and family heirloom piece. Even though vintage Longines prices have continued to rise markedly in the past 2-3 years, we still feel fine examples such as this are undervalued. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold watches continues to expand, availability will become more limited, so prices are surely destined to climb ever higher!
We have been great admirers of vintage Longines ever since the 1960s and for many years they have been very undervalued. It is difficult to reason why, as these watches technically surpass almost all the high-end brands. Whatever the reason, they represent excellent value even though prices have been increasing at around 20% per year recently.
A word about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before 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 inevitably means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are a number of well-known stores in West London which are very 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.
Please note, we welcome part exchanges and if you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss.
We will be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
If you have any questions please call on us on 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas, on +44 207 727 7095.
We are here, ready, available and awaiting your call! We will be happy to answer any questions and offer advice about this or any of our watches listed for sale. If you would like some general advice regarding any aspect of vintage watches, including buying, selling, or collecting vintage watches, we will also be happy to hear from you.
Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine vintage gold watches!
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
