Key Features
Rare and early 1915 pre-trench Longines wristwatch, featuring a transitional case type – it still resembles a pocket watch case, with the winding crown at ‘12’ position. The wristwatch case type was not a common design, which is why such kinds of prototype models are of such interest to collectors. This timepiece has kept its original enamel dial with the famous red ‘12’ accent, lume type hands and numerals, and a small seconds chapter. The old radium paint has been replaced with a new safe lume, with no radiation. The watch also features a signed case with the EFCO Longines logo stamp inside, the movement number corresponding to the case number. Due to the case and strap combination, your fingertips must be used to wind it and set the time.
Data retrieved from official Longines’ handwritten registers:
The original serial number 2’448’581 identifies a wristwatch in metal. It is fitted with a Longines manually wound mechanical movement, caliber 12.62Z (also called 11.62). It was invoiced on 27 Mai 1915 to the company Perusset, which was at that time our agent for France.
About Longines
The Longines watch company was founded in 1832 by watchmaker Auguste Agassiz, and his two partners, Henri Raiguel and Florian Morel. Initially, the original name of the company was Raiguel Jeune & Cie. However, by 1846, Raigeul and Morel had retired from the watch industry, leaving Agassiz as the sole head of the company.
The name ‘Longines’ comes from a famous pocket watch model created in 1867 by a later head of the company, Ernest Francillon, who had established a manufactory outside the village of Saint-Imier in the meadows of the district Langgewann (Les Longines). This model became so popular that the company began to experience problems with counterfeiting, and so in 1889 the trademark name of ‘Longines’ was registered, making this company the oldest registered watch manufacturer in the world.
The success of Longines has a long history. They have developed highly regarded reputations in equestrian sports such as horse racing, due to their creation of the 20H ‘mono-pusher’ chronograph 1878, which enabled the creation of precise stopwatches suitable for timing professional events.
In the 1940’s, Longines actively collaborated with both UK and US allies, as well as with the Wehrmacht, supplying watches to all warring parties. Many military style watches from the company can be found. In 1945 Longines brought the first watch with automatic winding to market, and in 1952 they were the official timekeeper of the Olympic Winter Games in Oslo.
Today, Longines continues to thrive just as successfully as ever before, and along with Omega and Tissot, is one of the largest brands inside the Swatch Group.
Servicing and Guarantee
This timepiece has been serviced with full disassembly. There is a 6-month guarantee, subject to the usage and care guidelines. The watch comes with new genuine brown leather strap.
Overview
Case and Strap
- Traditional circular style case.
- Nickel or brass plated case body.
- Acrylic crystal.
- Stainless steel snap caseback.
- New, genuine brown leather strap with silver buckle embellishments.
- Original onion shaped winding crown.
- Dustproof, rain and scratch-proof.
Dimensions:
- Diameter 33 mm.
- Full height 40 mm.
- Thickness 11.40 mm.
Dial and Hands
- Original white enamel dial.
- Red ‘12’ numeral.
- Military-style Arabic numerals with green lume (safe non-radium).
- “Longines” signature below numeral 12 position.
- Small seconds subdial at numeral 6 position.
- Unusual style hands with lume (safe non-radium).
Movement
- Swiss-made movement.
- 12.62Z early Longines caliber.
- 15 jewels.
- Manual.
- Straight line lever escapement.
- Compensated cut balance.
- Flat blue hairspring.
- Signed and numbered on the bridge.
- ‘M’ marking for METAL (nickel or brass) case type.
- Gold-plated plates and bridges.
- Gold-plated wheels.
- Polished screws.
Testing Results
- Testing duration: 2 weeks face up.
- Average timekeeping range: 20-50 sec/day.
- Power reserve more than 35 hours.
Servicing and Guarantee
- Fully serviced.
- Mechanics in full working order.
- New genuine leather strap.
- 6-month warranty.
- Warranty Terms and Conditions.
Links and Resources:
Vintage Longines serial numbers.
Vintage Longines movement calibre identification.
Quite similar model from 1912-1913.
