Longines
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. On certain models, such as the now legendary Longines Calibre.13ZN chronograph, prices have simply sky-rocketed!
Description
This is a superb example of a 1956 vintage Longines 14ct gentleman’s dress watch and a wonderful example of Longines style and elegance from 1956, when technically, Longines was competing head to head with and beating almost all of the other Swiss watch manufacturers. Notable features of this watch include the beautiful silver dial with outstanding applied ‘diamond’ hour indices which are eye-catching, bold and in tip-top condition. The addition of a subsidiary seconds dial adds extra elegance and flair.
The Dial
Longines excel in every aspect of watch design. The company has always been rightfully held in very high regard for the quality of their movements and close examination of any of their watch cases reveals an equally high attention for case design, quality, purpose and perfection.
We happen to think almost all of Longines classic vintage dial designs are a step ahead, or at least a step apart from the rest, in terms of elegance and sophistication. The design here is a great example of a classic, sophisticated, mid-1950s Longines gentleman’s dress watch. The dial looks simply outstanding in silver and the interesting applied, solid ‘diamond’ hour indices sit proud of the dial. The gold ‘dauphine’ hands complete this dial beautifully. This watch carries the Longines branding just below ’12’ with ‘Automatic’, the applied Longines ‘flying hourglass’ brand applied, all completed with 3 studs just below and the wonderful addition of a cross-hair subsidiary seconds dial at ‘6’ which all add to this highly interesting dial. This wonderful example of Longines work also comes with a subtle seconds dial around the inner circle of the dial.
This is the original dial which has been previously restored to the highest standards and remains in absolutely tip-top condition.
The Movement
Regarded by many as the finest automatic movement ever produced by Longines, the Calibre 19A, 17 Jewel automatic movement is an absolute gem.
If ever one wished to highlight a fine quality automatic watch movement, this would make a first-class example. In fact, the initial impression upon viewing this movement is that it is much more modern than its release date of 1952. The quality of finishing and build is exceptional and better finished than anything offered by Rolex of the same period. For example, each jewel is held in its own threaded gold sleeve, which is then in turn screwed into the plates. This is a much more sophisticated method than those which simply fitted their jewels into drilled holes in the bridges, as was the practice with some Rolex and Omega movements of the same period.
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 then rebuilt using only original Longines parts where required. After testing and final calibration, this watch was running to within +6 seconds per day, which is outstanding for any vintage watch of this age. The movement also has a power reserve of 39hrs.
The movement is correctly signed ‘Longines’ and ‘Automatic’, with the Calibre number 19A and the movement serial number 10846450 which dates the watch to 1956.
These movements are robust, reliable and accurate making this watch perfectly suited 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 provide faithful service for many more decades to come! We are therefore more than pleased and confident to offer a 12-month warranty on this watch movement*
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
The Watch Case
The wonderful 14ct yellow gold case has straight swept-back lugs which raise the case slightly on the wrist and emphasises its presence. At 34mm in diameter, excluding the correct signed Longines crown, this watch is a large size for the period. The case is of a three-piece design with a screw-back and integral bezel.
This watch has obviously either been very well cared for and/or seen only very little use. 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 no matter how closely you might wish to examine it, shows no signs of anything other than very light and careful limited use.
Inside the case-back all is as should be and signed ‘LONGINES WITTNAUER WATCH CO. INC’, ‘NEW YORK’, ‘GENEVE MONTREAL’, ‘STAR W 0.00.’ with 14ct hallmarks and 14K Gold. The serial number 3776283 is also shown and this is also engraved on the movement. The case has been cleaned and lightly polished and is in superb condition showing only the very slightest signs of wear.
Please note – our standard advice applies: vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap & Buckle
The watch is fitted with a high quality, black alligator strap and signed Longines 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 in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours at short notice.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, all the numbers and markings on the watch are correct, dating the watch to 1956.
Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch 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 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.
The watch comes complete with a high quality hardwood presentation box, as shown.
In Conclusion
This is a really beautiful 1950s vintage gold watch from Longines, one of the most highly honoured and awarded Swiss watch manufacturers. It is to the credit of the company that this watch is still perfectly useable and reliable, just as it was when it left the factory over 60 years ago!
This beautiful and highly collectable vintage gold watch will provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to use, wear, treasure and enjoy!
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. 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.
Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and unfortunately out of our control.
We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges, however attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.
For those that happen to visit the UK on occasion we are of course more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and your watch directly to you there.
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.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
