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
Here we have a very early example of Longines style and elegance from c1921, when technically, Longines was competing head to head with and beating almost all of the other Swiss watch manufacturers. This rare and wonderful watch was made for the Russian market and carries a wonderful previously restored off-white dial with rare exploded standard Arabic numerals which are eye-catching, bold and in tip-top condition, along with an outstanding 14ct pink gold watch case which sits bold and proud on the wrist.
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 vintage dial designs are a step ahead, or at least a step apart from the rest, in terms of elegance and sophistication and the design here is a great example. The wonderful off-white dial, picks up the available light beautifully and the interesting black exploded standard Arabic numerals look absolutely incredible. The black ‘cathedral’ hands complete this dial beautifully.
This watch is simply signed with the Longines signature at the very top of the dial just below 12.
This is the original dial which has been previously restored to the highest standards and as can be seen, remains in outstanding condition.
The Movement
The watch contains its original Longines Calibre 13.3, 15 Jewel hand-wound movement. Following its restoration, overhaul and service, and as seen in the photographs, the movement is now in sparkling condition. It 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 +6 seconds per day, which is outstanding for a vintage watch of this age.
The movement is simply signed ‘Longines’.
These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable making the watch appropriate for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in top condition and with regular servicing, every 3 to 4 years we would fully expect this watch to run very happily for many more decades to come! We are therefore pleased to offer a 12-month warranty on this watch movement* and 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
This incredible 14ct pink gold early wristwatch, which as mentioned above was made for the Russian market, has an incredibly large tonneau-shaped hinged case, that measures an outstanding 31mm x 47mm, excluding the correct crown and 49mm corner to corner. This makes this an extraordinary large watch for the period.
This watch has obviously been very well cared for. The case has been professionally cleaned and lightly polished and is in superb 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 use.
The case is simply signed ‘Longines’ and carries Swiss Geneva 14ct hallmarks.
Please note – as always, our standard advice applies: Vintage Watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap & Buckle
A high quality black leather strap has been fitted, along with a matching pink 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 at short notice.
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 c1921.
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 also 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”.
This watch comes complete with a high quality hardwood presentation box, as shown in the photographs.
Payment and Delivery
If you would like to pay by 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 who happen to visit London 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 hand your watch directly to you there.
As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.
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!
A word on 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 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.
Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or a small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.
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 us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
