Description

100% Genuine & All Original

Fully Restored, Serviced & Guaranteed

A Very Cared For and Lightly Used Example

Large 35mm 18ct Pink Gold Case in Immaculate Condition

Beautifully Restored Silver-White Dial with Original ‘Lance’ Hands

Very High Grade Cal.380, 27 Jewel Automatic Movement in Sparkling Condition.

Oversize 35mm Diameter Case, Excluding the Longines Signed Crown

New, Black Buffalo Calf Leather Strap & Longines Gold Plated Buckle

All in Absolutely Top Grade & Simply Stunning Condition

Original Vintage Longines Presentation Box Included

Longines

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 it has been treated as something of a Cinderella among the watch collecting fraternity until relatively recently. Longines is now rightfully returning towards the elevated status it once held in the pre and post-war years when it ranked among the very best among of Swiss watch manufacturers. It is really only within the past three years that Longines vintage watches have risen again to the admiration and popularity they deserve, with values rising of by around 15 – 20% per year and on certain models, such as the now legendary Longines Calibre.13ZN chronograph, prices have sky-rocketed!

Description

A large size, gentleman’s automatic dress watch from Longines in an elegant 18ct pink gold case. This watch measures 35mm in diameter excluding the Longines signed crown and carries the highly accurate and reliable Calibre 380, 27 Jewel movement which was one of the finest automatics available at the time this watch was produced.

This is Longines model reference 6977 and was a very expensive watch in 1959, costing around £490.00, at the time. The same price in fact as the first Austin Mini which was launched in the same year. This watch however, was much rarer and more exclusive than the car and is much easier to keep and maintain.

The Dial

The silver-white dial is a classic example of Longines style and elegance. Clean, simple,  and very understated. Pink gilt ‘lance’ style hands are matched with Art Deco style 3, 6, 9, 12 numerals and faceted ‘arrowhead’ 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 all aspects of watch design. The company was rightfully held in very high regard for the quality of its movements and close examination of the dial and watch case reveals equal high regard for design, quality, purpose, and perfection. We also think almost all of the Longines classic vintage watch dial designs were a step ahead, in terms of design, elegance and sophistication and here is another excellent example, with everything in perfect proportion and balance. Having no date window means the dial is 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 who are considered to be the best in the UK.

The Movement

This watch contains its original Longines Cal.380, 27 Jewel movement which is popularly regarded as one of the best ‘in-house’ automatic movements 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 +2  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. 380, the Serial No. 11203967 and 27 Jewels Swiss. This serial number dates this watch to 1959.

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 was considered an oversize watch in 1959. The 18ct pink gold case has straight swept back lugs which raise the case slightly on the wrist and emphasises its presence. The crown is an original signed Longines crown.

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 signed ‘LONGINES’, ‘FAB SUISSE’, and ‘SWISS MADE’ with the Longines model ref.6977 1 and a further reference number 950. The case also carries Swiss Geneva 9ct hallmarks.

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

The Strap & Buckle

A new black buffalo calf 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.

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 1959.

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.