Longines Flagship Cal.340 Automatic 9ct 1962

Description

Est. 1832 in Saint-Imier, 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, however it has been 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 successfully competed head to head with all the best Swiss watch manufacturers. It is only within the past four or five years that Longines vintage watches have become favoured again in the eyes of collectors, regaining the admiration and popularity they rightfully deserve, with vintage values rising by as much as 15 – 20% per year. On certain models, however, such as the now legendary Longines Calibre.13ZN chronograph, prices have sky-rocketed.

The Longines Flagship was launched in 1957, to compete directly with the Omega Seamaster and Rolex Oyster Perpetual. Each of these highly desirable watches came with automatic movements and had waterproof cases.

This 1962 example in 9ct Yellow Gold has a good size 35mm case, excluding the original Longines signed crown. The watch is also fitted with the best Longines ‘in-house made’ automatic movement ever made. Furthermore, this watch also carries one of the most elegant and beautifully understated watch dials.

The Dial

The Silver dial is a classic example of Longines style and elegance. Clean, simple, classic  and very understated. The Index hands are matched with Art Deco style 3, 6, 9 numerals and faceted baton hour indices. This dial catches the light beautifully and can subtly change from Silver to White or Cream, as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Longines excelled in every aspect of watch design. The company was rightfully held in very high regard for the quality of their movements and close examination of any of their watch cases reveals equal high regard for design, quality, purpose and perfection. We think almost all of Longines classic vintage dial designs were at least one step ahead, in terms of elegance and sophistication.  The design here is a good example, everything is in perfect proportion and in perfect balance and the dial just works so well. Restored gilt Index hands are matched by faceted hour indices, and Art Deco style 3, 6, 9 numerals, on a gently brushed, Silver dial. Having no date window makes the dial beautifully well balanced and even the name and the brand look more ‘in place’ than any other, which incidentally is the oldest registered trademark of any watch manufacturer.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by our dial restorers which are considered to be the best in the UK.

The Movement

This watch contains its original Longines Cal.340, 17 Jewel movement which is popularly regarded as the best ‘in-house’ automatic movement, Longines has ever made!

Following its restoration, overhaul and service, and as seen in the photographs, the movement is now in sparkling condition. This movement 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 +9  seconds per day, which is outstanding for a vintage watch of this age, and when fully wound, this movement also has a 43-hour power reserve.

The movement is signed ‘Longines Automatic’ with the Calibre No. 340, the Serial No. 12285061 and 17 Jewels Swiss. This serial number dates this watch to 1962.

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.

As always, our standard advice applies: Vintage Watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Watch Case

At 35mm in diameter, excluding the Longines crown, this is a good sized watch for the period. The 9ct Yellow Gold case has straight swept back lugs which raise the case slightly on the wrist and emphasises its presence.

This watch has obviously been very well cared for, with only occasional use, 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. The crown is, of course, an original Longines crown. The case is in immaculate 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, FAB SUISSE, and SWISS MADE with Swiss Geneva 9ct hallmarks plus the Longines model ref.3403.

Please note, although this was marketed as a waterproof watch when new, this has not been tested and it is not guaranteed.

As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Strap & Buckle

A new Longines Croc strap has been fitted, along with a matching 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.

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 1962.

A  detailed ‘Particulars’ document will be included in the sale, along with our detailed receipt and 12 months’  warranty*. 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 at any time, this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.

A matching vintage Longines presentation box will be 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. 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 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.