Longines Cal.30L 9ct ‘Explorer’ 1964 – 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 during 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 mid-1960s when technically, Longines was competing head to head, and on level terms, with almost all of the top tier Swiss watch manufacturers. This is a superb example of a 1960s 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 ivory-cream ‘Explorer’ type dial with restored ‘Dauphine’ hands and sub-dial at 6 o’clock, is a classic design which was very similar to that used by Rolex and Omega from the early 1950s onwards. The applied gilt 3, 9, 12 numeral design 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 its ‘Explorer’ model.

Please excuse the shadows on the dial which were caused by poor lighting while photographing this watch and not by any marks on the dial. Please be assured, the dial is completely clean and fresh with little or no signs of ageing.

This is the original dial which has been previously restored to a very high standard.

The Watch Case

The high quality, 9ct yellow three-piece gold case is of solid construction and measures 33.5mm in diameter, excluding the Longines signed crown. The case was manufactured in the UK by Dennison, for Longines.

The case is of three-piece construction and of obvious high quality. It is quite heavy and robust and quite suitable for everyday use. The case-back is of full-thickness and has never been inscribed.

The case has been inspected, cleaned and lightly hand-polished to bring it back to the immaculate condition you see here, with no scratches, dimples or marks visible to the naked eye.

Inside the case-back, all is as expected and is correctly signed A.L.D. by Dennison with Birmingham 9ct UK hallmarks, along with the case reference number 13322 and the serial number 318336. The case also carries the signature of ‘Baume’ the Longines UK importers and distributors at the time.

This watch has obviously been very well cared for and has seen only occasional use, as evidenced by its condition 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.

As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

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 revered among watchmakers and serious watch collectors alike and this has driven up the popularity of these watches among the main market in recent years. The Calibre 30L was launched in 1955 and became a cornerstone for the brand until it ceased production in 1967. It was featured in the hand-wound version of the hugely successful Longines Flagship and was also used as a base calibre for certain chronometer movements and competition movements.

Following its restoration, the movement here 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’ and ‘Swiss’, 17 Jewels, 30L with the reference number 12789937 which dates the watch to 1964. The movement has just been fully overhauled and serviced by our watchmaker and it is calibrated to run arrow straight within +8 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 therefore 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 3–4 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 camel grain 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 1964.

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 vintage Longines presentation box will be included in the sale.

In Conclusion

Here we have a classic 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 be something to wear, treasure and enjoy! This watch is completely practical for use as an everyday watch and as long as it is well looked after and regularly serviced, it will last many more decades to come. It carries a great deal more style, individuality and panache than any new watch. And to buy a watch of the same quality today, would cost at least three times the price.

Whichever way 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 mean 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 PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by UK 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 us on 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095. We await your call and we will be happy to help with any questions you may have about this watch or any of our collection.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. We will also be happy to service your vintage watch or assist with repairs or restoration as necessary.

Please also take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.