Longines Automatic Cal.22A 14ct 1952

Description

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, and yet 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 ranked among the very best among of the Swiss watch manufacturers. It is really only within the past four years that Longines vintage watches have risen again to the admiration and popularity they deserve, with values rising by around 15 – 20% per year, and on certain models, such as the now legendary Longines Calibre.13ZN chronograph, prices have sky-rocketed.

Here we have a wonderful example, typical of  Longines style and elegance from 1952 when technically Longines was approaching its peak, competing head to head with all of the top-tier Swiss watch manufacturers. A wonderful vintage Longines gentleman’s dress watch with subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock. Notable highlights on this watch are its two-tone beautiful dial, its ornate case and lugs, and its landmark first automatic movement, which is in sparkling condition.

The Dial

There is a lot which is quite unique about this ivory cream and silver dial. It is highly distinctive and seems to have just the right balance of ornateness and simplicity. Its style perfectly matches the beautiful ribbed case with its rococo lugs.

Gold applied Roman numerals with alternate stud hour indices are matched with gold baton/pencil style hands. The silver band works really well in adding extra style and interest to the dial.

Longines always seems to score more highly with dials in our eyes, by being that bit closer to perfection and it does this so often and so effortlessly. Even its signature brand looks more ‘in place’, which incidentally is the oldest registered of any watch manufacturer. The company certainly made a fine art of this during the ’50s and ’60s. Perhaps through better application, employing more highly talented designers, or simply the evolution of a style which became part of the company’s DNA. Longines dials are always in a class of their own.

During the first half of the last century, Longines won a great many new and loyal customers through this sense of style, which then only later came to appreciate the fine quality of its movements.

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

The Movement

This original Longines Calibre 22A, 17 Jewel automatic movement was a milestone for Longines, in being its first automatic movement.

As can be seen, the movement is in tip-top condition having completed an overhaul and service by our watchmaker. This means it has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected under high magnification then rebuilt using only original Longines parts where required. After testing and final calibration, this watch was running to within +12 seconds per day, which is excellent for a vintage watch of this age. The movement also has a power reserve of 36 hrs.

The movement is correctly signed ‘Longines Watch Co.’ and ‘Swiss’, with the Calibre number 22A and the movement serial number 8631761 which dates the watch to 1952.

These movements are robust, reliable and accurate making this watch perfectly suited for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in top condition and with regular servicing every 3 – 4 years we would fully expect this watch to provide faithful service for many more decades to come!  We are therefore more than pleased and confident to offer a 12 month warranty on this watch movement*

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

The Watch Case 

The 14ct watch case is of very high quality, made in New York by L&K Lutringer & Kammerer, case-makers for Longines Wittnauer, the American arm of Longines, St. Imier, Switzerland. The three ribbed case is of a sturdy two-piece design with an integral bezel. The sensational rococo lugs complete the case which is ornate and yet heavy and strong. The bezel and case-back are in superb original condition, in fact from any viewpoint, there are no scratches, dings or other marks on this case, visible to the naked eye. We have simply gently hand-polished the case as it is in superb, hardly used condition.

The case measures 34mm in diameter, excluding the correct Longines unsigned crown as Longines watches in 1952 did not have signed crowns. If the size perhaps seems a little small, please bear in mind the watch measures 43mm lug to lug and so the lugs add a great deal of presence to the watch.

The case-back is of full thickness and has never been engraved. Inside the case-back, the case is correctly signed ‘Longines Wittnauer Watch Co. Inc.’  and ‘14K Gold’ with the L&K initials denoting this is a Lutringer & Kammerer case. The Longines model reference number 6758 is also shown.

The case-back presses back with a reassuring ‘pop’ indicating it is a nice tight fit.

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

The Strap and Buckle

The watch is fitted with a high-quality brown Alligator strap with a gold-plated 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 and in plain padded leather, or crocodile skin or lizard skin.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the numbers and markings on the watch are all correct, dating the watch to 1952.

A detailed written receipt with a 12 month warranty* and a separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will 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”.

The hardwood presentation case shown in the photographs is included with this watch.

In Conclusion

Here we have a beautiful classic vintage wristwatch from one of the most collectable and highly regarded vintage watch brands which will make an excellent financial investment as well as be something to treasure and enjoy! Longines is highly regarded for the quality and reliability of its movements and so this watch is completely practical for use as an everyday watch. As long as it is properly cared for and serviced every 3-4 years, it will easily last another lifetime. This watch carries a great deal more style, individuality and panache than a new watch, and to buy the same quality today would cost at least three or four times the price you see here.

Whichever way you may wish to view this watch, as each year goes by and the world market for fine vintage gold watches grows even larger, the limited supply and high demand mean prices will inevitably climb ever higher!

A word on 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 means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well-known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We therefore consider our prices to be good value and very fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

We are happy to accept payment via PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would like to pay by UK cheque or by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you.

If you have any questions, please call us on 0207 727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

Please note we welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or 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 our Servicing Repairs and Restoration section.

Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.