Longines Officers Watch 18ct 1917

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. Certain models however, such as the now legendary Longines Calibre 13ZN chronograph have sky-rocketed.

Description

Here we have a truly outstanding Longines Officers watch, otherwise often known as a trench watch, in 18ct yellow gold. This watch dial carries stand out hour indices which all carry an incredible lume, which are swept by the correct and original ‘cathedral’ hands, making this watch easy to read when on the wrist. Another noticable feature of this watch is the pronounced crown, the crown was designed this way so that officers could wind the watch with their military gloves on.

The Dial

The beautiful previously restored enamel dial is simply stunning! As mentioned above, the 1 – 12 standard Arabic numerals carry an incredible lume. This dial is complete with the original lume ‘cathedral’ hands, a subsidiary seconds dial in the unique position of 9 and is framed perfectly by a minute railtrack.

All these aspects give this watch a wonderful feel once upon the wrist and make the watch very easy to read.

This dial has been previously restored to a very high standard yet remains in outstanding condition.

The Movement

The movement fitted to the watch is the original 15 Jewel hand wound movement. The movement is in very clean condition having just completed a full overhaul and service by our vintage Rolex specialist watchmaker. This means it has been completely dismantled to each of its component parts before cleaning and inspection under high magnification, replacement where necessary with only genuine Rolex parts, then careful reassembly, adjustment and oiling to Rolex specification, before final calibration and testing. The movement is now running accurately within +15 seconds per day. We are therefore confident in offering this watch with a 12-month written warranty*.

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the full list price is paid.

The Case

The original 18ct yellow gold case measures 35mm in diameter, excluding the correct unsigned crown. This case opens from the front with a screw down bezel and lens to reveal the movement.

The case is in superb condition, indicating the watch has only seen occasional careful use. Only under very close examination can some of the smallest marks be found, commensurate with the age of this piece.

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 high quality brown leather strap with a plain 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 burgundy and black straps in stock, in plain, padded leather, alligator, crocodile or lizard skin.

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 1917.

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”.

This watch comes complete with a high quality hardwood presentation box.

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.