Longines Flagship 18ct Rare Cal.341 Automatic 1960 – Sorry Now Sold 19th Jan, ’16

An immaculate 1960 Longines Flagship 18ct dress watch with a  rare 12 o’clock date.  The relaunch of the Flagship as part of the Longines Heritage range in recent years has regenerated interest in the original model, and why not? This is and always has been a simply fabulous timepiece.

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. Here we have a perfect example from 1960 when technically, Longines were competing head to head and beating almost all the Swiss watch manufacturers.

Predominantly a ’60s watch, the  Longines Flagship was first launched in 1957 and this is the best early example we have seen in a long while. It has a large 35mm, 18ct yellow gold case, a masterful movement, dial and case, all perfectly executed.

The Dial

This is very classy understated dial in a silver white with gold batons and ‘Dauphine’ hands. The central minute chapter ring follows the natural contour or boundary of the flat area of the dial where it meets the outer region of the dial and this gives the illusion of a two-tone effect. Even without this, this dial is magnificent. It looks a little plain and simple at first glance, but the longer you look, the more you see and the more you are are rewarded and the small date window at 12? Well why not? Omega played with the idea of 6 o’clock date windows on their early Seamasters – against which the Longines Flagship range was surely a response.

Classy and understated could equally apply to the whole watch and by extension the Longines range and Company, during the period this watch was designed.

The Case

The immaculate 18ct solid yellow gold case has swept back lugs which raises the case slightly on the wrist and emphasises its presence. At 35mm in diameter, not including the Longines crown, this watch is large for the period. Often when you find large cases on 1960s watches, it means they are ‘custom made’ in South America, for that market. This is not such a case, it is signed Longines, FAB SUISSE, and SWISSMADE so there is no confusion. Also on the inside of the case-back are Geneva Swiss 18K, 0.750 18ct hallmarks x 2 and ‘Flagship’ + Longines case model ref.2407. This watch has obviously been very well cared for with only occasional use and this is proven by the distinct Longines Flagship relief on the case-back which shows virtually no signs of wear! The case has been professionally cleaned and lightly polished and is in superb condition and the crown is of course an original Longines crown.

The Movement

The high grade Cal.341 automatic 17 Jewels movement here is one of Longines most successful, remaining in production, in-house, for over 12 years. The movement is fitted with an “incabloc” design which protects it against shocks and magnetic fields. The movement is also one of the most sophisticated automatic movements available at the time and indeed one of the best ever made. Thanks to its large balance, the movement can be regulated with great precision. This is the original Cal.341 movement, in sparkling ‘as new’ condition, signed Longines, 17 Jewels, 340 and Serial No. 11,350,795 all dating the watch to 1960. Having been thoroughly overhauled by ourselves, we are very happy to offer this watch with a 12 month warranty, included in the list price.*

This watch is perfectly suited for regular daily use and with care and with regular servicing, say every 2 – 3 years, we are confident this watch will run quite happily and reliably for another lifetime!

The Strap and Buckle

The strap fitted is a new high quality ‘Croc’ leather 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, or crocodile skin or lizard skin. Please do 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 this watch, the numbers and markings on the watch are all correct, dating the watch to 1960. A detailed written receipt with a 12 month warranty* and a separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will be provided at the time of sale. A vintage presentation box will be included in the sale.

In Conclusion

This is a wonderful example of one of the most beautiful and sought after vintage Longines available.

We have been great admirers of vintage Longines ever since the 1960s and we simply cannot understand why they are so hugely undervalued. Technically they surpass almost all the high end brands, but whatever the reason it means they represent excellent value today and prices are certain to climb, as they have, markedly over the past 18 months! Surely without huge investments in ‘clever’ marketing by Rolex and Omega, Longines would be on par in terms of popularity today!

This is a relatively rare and highly collectable vintage gold watch from one of horology’s most respected names which will be certain to provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to treasure and enjoy!

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 payment via Paypal as this is the quickest method of payment. However if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you.

*Note – 12 Month warranty only included if the list price is paid.

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

Please note we welcome part exchanges.

Please take a look at our other vintage gold watches.