Description
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, but something of a Cinderella among the watch collecting fraternity until recently. Longines is now rightfully returning towards the elevated status it once held in the pre and post-war years when it competed head to head with the very best among the Swiss watch manufacturers. It is really only within the past few years that Longines vintage watches have risen again to the admiration and popularity they deserve, with values rising by around 15 – 20% per year. On certain models however, such as the now legendary Longines Calibre.13ZN chronograph, prices have sky-rocketed.
Here we have a simply wonderful example of Longines style and elegance from 1974, when the company was at its peak and competing head to head with all of the top-tier Swiss watch manufacturers. An immaculate vintage Longines gentleman’s hand-wound dress watch with a subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock. Notable features of this watch include its beautiful dial with original ‘index’ hands, matching faceted ‘baton’ indices and the stunning condition of its case and fast-beat, 28,800 beats per hour, movement which is in sparkling condition. It is also running perfectly within +1 second per day!
The Dial
It is of course, quite rare to find a 1970s vintage watch with the earlier style subsidiary seconds dial at ‘6’, unless we look at some Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin watches of approximately the same age. We are particular admirers of Longines dials which always seem to score more highly, regularly producing dials which are that bit closer to classic perfection. Even the name and the brand look more ‘in place’ than any other, which incidentally is the oldest registered trademark of any watch manufacturer.
The dial is classic Longines. Clean, simple, classy and understated. The silver-white dial has onyx inlaid faceted ‘baton’ hour indices, matched with original onyx inlaid ‘index’ hands and the above-mentioned subsidiary seconds dial at 6.
The dial is simply signed ‘Longines’ with ‘Swiss Made’ at the very bottom.
This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by the best dial restorers in the UK.
The Movement
The original Longines Calibre 6922, 17 Jewel fast beat hand-wound movement is a real gem, with a large balance wheel, micrometer regulator, Kif-Flector shock protection and subsidiary seconds.
This Longines movement runs at 28,800 beats per hour which is much faster than typical high quality Swiss movements, which run at 18,000 beats per hour – hence it is known as a fast beat movement. All other things being equal, the faster a watch movement beats and the balance wheel operates, the more accurate its timekeeping, since the movement effectively divides time into smaller increments.
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 and rebuilt using only original Longines parts where required. When tested and calibrated, this watch was running to within +1 second per day, which is truly outstanding for any watch of this age and has been tested and confirmed on our electronic Timegrapher.
This movement also has a power reserve of 40hrs which is excellent for a fast-beat movement. The movement is correctly signed ‘Longines Watch Co’ and ‘Swiss’ with the Cal.6922 and the movement serial number 51405413 which dates the watch to 1974.
These movements are very highly regarded for their accuracy and reliability making this watch perfectly suited 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 provide faithful service for many more decades to come! We are therefore pleased and confident to offer a 12 month warranty on this watch movement* and all servicing in the future.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only included if the list price is paid.
The Watch Case
The 9ct yellow gold, three-piece watch case is beautifully constructed, the lugs are straight and swept back and the flat case-back is blemish free. In fact, from any viewpoint, there are no scratches, dings or other marks visible to the naked eye.
The case measures 36mm in diameter, excluding the correct Longines signed crown. The watch measures 43mm lug to lug and is quite thin at 9mm in depth, including the lens.
Inside the case-back, the case is correctly signed D.S&S for D. Shackman & Son who were the UK case-makers who made cases for many of the top Swiss watch manufacturers. The case also carries the signature of ‘Baume’ the Longines UK importers and distributors at the time, along with London UK 9ct hallmarks and the case reference number 73824.
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 Strap and Buckle
The strap fitted is a new black Lizard strap with a Longines gold-plated buckle. Please note, 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 and in plain padded leather, embossed or lizard skin.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the numbers and markings on the watch are all correct, dating the watch to 1974.
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 Longines presentation case shown in the photographs is included with this watch.
In Conclusion
Here we have a beautiful and high class vintage watch from one of the most collectable and highly regarded vintage watch brands which will make an excellent financial investment as well as be something to treasure and enjoy! It is completely practical for use as an everyday watch and as long as it is well cared for and serviced every 3-4 years, it will last another lifetime. It carries a great deal more style, individuality and panache than a new watch and to buy the same quality today would cost at least three or four times the price here.
However, 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 means 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 good value and very 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 bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% transaction 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.
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 also welcome part exchanges, along with outright purchases of similar watches to restore, service and list.
We can also offer Watch Service, Watch Repair & Watch Restoration, please see here.
If you have any questions please call 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas: +44 207 727 7095.
We are here, ready, available and await your call.
Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine vintage gold watches.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
