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. Here we have a superb example from 1951 when technically, Longines was competing head to head with and beating almost all of the other Swiss watch manufacturers.
Description
Here we have a wonderful example of 1920s Longines elegance and style in the form of a beautiful 18ct yellow gold watch. Originally this watch would have been sold as a gentleman’s watch, but perhaps now, may be more suited as a ladies dress watch. Although this watch was produced nearly a century ago, it still remains in absolutely outstanding condition. Notable highlights of this watch are the beautiful engraved outer case with ‘coin edge’ bezel, beautiful dial with original ‘Cathedral’ hands and subsidiary seconds dial and the high grade Calibre 11.84N movement, which are all in stunning condition.
The Dial
Regular visitors to this site are probably aware that we are huge admirers of vintage Longines watches. Not only for the perfection of their movements or the construction and sheer quality of their cases, but also the design, style and elegance of their watch dials. If a dial defines the style and character of a watch, Longines has always gone to great efforts to produce some of the best classical and ‘model’ dials. This will have always been of great advantage and it is the way that something of the company’s DNA tends to be evident, in addition to the brilliance and quality of the design which impresses most.
Here, the black numerals alternated with small arrow hour indices over a restored white dial, provide a sense of individuality, as well as substance and authority.
The blued steel ‘Cathedral’ type hands are original and unrestored and so the gilt finish does show some age, but we feel this adds something to the character of the watch. If however, once the watch has been delivered, you feel you might prefer these to be properly restored, we will gladly have this done for you free of charge.
The style of the beautiful subsidiary seconds dial is exquisitely classical, timeless and just plain gorgeous!
The dial is simply signed ‘Longines’ with ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom.
This is the original dial which has been restored by one of the best dial restorers in the UK.
The Movement
The watch carries its original Longines Cal.11.84N, 15 Jewel hand-wound movement with subsidiary seconds and bags of old world charm! Technically this is one of the classic, manually wound movements of its day, with 15 jewels, a running rate of 18,000 half beats per hour and a power reserve of 34 hours.
If a decent dial defines a vintage wristwatch, then it is the hand-built movements inside them that are at its heart and make them of such interest in the first instance. These mechanisms were built long before the advent of CNC machines and computer controlled polishing lines. While machinery was obviously used in movement manufacture, it was of a very traditional nature and controlled by specific individual craftsmen, exactly as it had been since the 19th Century. Every component in a movement like this one was visually inspected by a specific individual, finished until it met with his satisfaction and then passed on to be gradually built up into a complete unit that was sent for the laborious process of regulation, again by hand. The quality present in these classic watches by makers like Longines is breathtaking and more than justifies their high prices when new and the prices that good vintage examples by all the important houses command.
Returning to the quality of finishing and build, it is exceptional. It is fair to claim here that this is a better-finished movement than anything offered by Rolex at the same time and has a sophistication that is lacking in both Omega and Rolex movements of the same age. Unlike its two famous competitors, which simply fitted their jewels into drilled holes in the bridges, Longines adopted the system of screwed chatons, by which every jewel is held in its own threaded brass sleeve, which is then in turn screwed into the plates. This is a lovely refinement that one hardly ever sees and must have added significantly to the cost of production when new. The fact that vintage Longines watches are still so affordable today is hugely fortunate when we actually look at them closely and see how beautifully built they are.
The movement simply carries the calibre number.11.84N and carries the movement reference number 4621571 which dates this watch to 1926. All this detail has been painstakingly filled in with 18-carat gold in order to increase its legibility against its rhodium plated background. These points, although minor in themselves, aggregate into something that is a cut above the production of almost all the competing Swiss brands.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the full list price is paid.
As always, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Case
At 30mm in diameter, excluding the correct unsigned Longines crown, this is a small sized watch for the period. The styling of this model is absolutely incredible and pure beauty with the beautiful fixed loop lugs. The wonderful, 18ct yellow gold, round, beautifully engraved case with the delightful ‘coin edge’ is in absolutely wonderful, original condition.
This watch has obviously been very well cared for, with only occasional use. The case has been professionally cleaned and lightly polished and is in superb condition. The crown is, of course, an original unsigned Longines crown. The case is in tip-top condition with no scratches, dings or other marks visible to the naked eye. No matter how closely you might wish to examine the case it shows no signs of anything other than very light and careful limited use. The case is signed ‘Longines’, with Swiss 18ct hallmarks plus the Longines serial number 4621571.
As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap & Buckle
A new black alligator strap has been fitted, along with a plain 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 1926.
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”.
A high-quality hardwood presentation box is included with this watch.
In Conclusion
This is a wonderful example of one of the most beautiful and sought after vintage Longines available. A rare, highly collectable and practical vintage gold gentleman’s dress watch, from one of horology’s most highly respected names which is something of beauty, to use, to wear, to 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 3 – 4 years, we still feel fine examples such as this are very 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 by around 20% per year during the past few years.
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.
We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would wish to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or International 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.
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 also 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 Landline 0207 727 7095 or Mobile 07515 949250 or if calling from overseas on Landline +44 207 727 7095 or Mobile +44 7515 949250.
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 
