Key Features
One of the first types of wristwatch, this is a very early model from the world-famous company LONGINES. A beautiful item, with rare preservation, which is a luxury – it is rare for watches of this period to be so well preserved. The Russian 84-proof silver marking on the lid indicates an official delivery to the Russian Empire. During the First World War, such watches were used mainly for professional purposes – cavalrymen, drivers, and the military.
The elegant enamel dial with a red number 12 and dark blue hands, looks very noble. Perfect preservation of the enamel, without any cracks or restorations. A curious detail – the serial number on the movement and the case differ by one. In the context of mass production, this is fairly common. According to the Longines serial number catalogue, this timepiece was produced in 1913.
This versatile vintage watch would make a great gift. Its size is relatively small, so the recommendation is that the watch is tried on before you decide to buy it. That being said, it is suitable for any gender and age. The set includes a new handmade strap that echoes the military style of the early 20th century.
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 in our Bristol workshop. There is a 3-month guarantee, subject to the usage and care guidelines. The set includes a new high-quality handmade wrist strap with firmware.
Overview
Body: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (10/10 like new)
Watch face: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (10/10 like new)
Mechanism: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (9/10 near perfect)
Accuracy: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (9/10 near perfect)
Case and Strap
- Original, early antique type case – a transitional design from pocket watch to wristwatch type.
- Moveable lugs on olive mounts.
- Silver.
- Antique convex mineral crystal.
- Hinged caseback with Longines brand logo and serial number inside.
- Russian 84 (0.875) stamp.
- New, high-quality strap with firmware.
Dimensions:
- Width w/o crown 34 mm.
- Width w/ crown 36 mm.
- Height w/ lugs 39.5 mm.
Dial and Hands
- Original, white enamel dial.
- Elegant black Arabic numerals with red 12.
- “Longines” signature in italics.
- Small seconds subdial.
- Dark blue ‘spade style hour and minute hands.
- Dark blue small seconds hand with tail.
Movement
- Swiss-made movement.
- 34 Longines caliber.
- Ruby jewels.
- Manual winding.
- Large, “Longines” signature and serial number on bridge.
- Gilt plates and bridges.
- Polished screws.
Servicing and Guarantee
- Fully serviced with disassembly in our Bristol shop.
- Mechanics in full working order.
- Comes with new, genuine leather strap.
- 3-month guarantee.
- Guarantee Terms and Conditions.
Links and Resources:
Longines Serial Number Catalogue.
