£1,700
100% Genuine & All Original.
Fully Restored, Serviced and Guaranteed
A Superbly Restored ‘3 6 9’ Gold on White Dial
A Beautifully Well Cared for and Lightly Used Example
18ct Solid Yellow Gold, Swiss Case, Size Large 35mm, not inc the Crown
High Grade Cal.342 Automatic Movement, Serviced in Sparkling Condition!
Distinct Longines Flagship Relief on the Case-Back Showing No Signs of Wear!
All in Absolutely Top Grade & Simply Stunning Condition
Supplied with a New High Quality ‘Croc’ Leather Strap
Supplied With a Matching Vintage Longines Presentation Box
The Watch is offered with 12 months Written Warranty included in the List Price
Overseas Fedex delivery £45
Delivery is Free within the UK
VGW ref. L308
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Description
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. Here we have a perfect example from 1960 when technically, Longines were competing head to head and beating almost all the Swiss watch manufacturers. This is the best example of the Longines Flagship we have seen in a long while. It has a large 18ct yellow gold case, with gold Art Deco numerals on a most elegant white dial and it is one of the most attractive watches we have in stock just now and all in outstanding and close to mint condition….
The Dial
Just Magnificent! Gold art deco 3, 6, 9, and 12 numerals on a white dial, with gold hands with centre seconds hand. This is a lesson in clean and simple classical design and pure elegance – just wonderful… This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest possible standards and is now as good as new. The hands are also in ‘as new’ condition and with a new replacement lens, this is very hard to beat! And of course.. this is the reason for Longines reissuing ‘Heritage’ copies of their own earlier vintage models, along with those of many other brands.
The Case
The immaculate 18ct solid yellow gold case has swept back lugs which raises the case slightly on the wrist and emphasises its presence. At 35mm in diameter, not including the Longines crown, this watch is large for the period. Often when you find large cases on 1960s watches it means they are ‘custom made’ in South America, for that market. This is not such a case, it is signed Longines, FAB SUISSE, and SWISSMADE so there is no confusion. Also on the inside of the case-back are Geneva Swiss 18K, 0.750 18ct hallmarks and Longines case model ref. no.3403. This watch has obviously been very well cared for with only occasional use and this is proven by the distinct Longines Flagship relief on the case-back which shows no signs of wear! The case has been professionally cleaned and lightly polished and is in superb condition and the crown is of course an original Longines crown.
The Movement
The high grade Cal.340 automatic 17 Jewels movement here is one of Longines most successful, remaining in production, in-house, for over 12 years. The movement is fitted with an “incabloc” design which protects it against shocks and magnetic fields. The movement is also one of the most sophisticated automatic movements available at the time and indeed one of the best ever made. Thanks to its large balance, the movement can be regulated with great precision. This is the original Cal.340 movement, in sparkling ‘as new’ condition, signed Longines, 17 Jewels, 340 and Serial No. 11,350,795 dating the watch to 1960. Having been thoroughly overhauled by ourselves, we are very happy to offer this watch with a 12 month warranty, included in the list price and with care and with regular servicing, say every 3 to 4 years, we are confident this watch will run quite happily and reliably for another lifetime!
The Strap & Buckle
A high quality new brown padded crocodlle strap is fitted with a gold plated buckle. If you have a preference for another colour, for example black or a different style of leather we will be pleased to change this for you at no extra charge.
The Box and Papers
Although there is no original paperwork with this watch, the reference numbers, signatures and hallmarks are all correct and date the watch to 1960. Detailed particulars are included with the receipt, along with the warranties and a separate insurance valuation for the replacement value. This will also include our ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If 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 watch is also supplied with a matching original vintage Longines presentation box which is valued at £125.00. If this is not required this can be deducted from the price of the watch reducing this to £1,575.00
Note : The last photograph of the inside of the of the vintage Longines presentation box is a wonderfully informative example of Longines marketing of the period and makes many bold but undoubtably accurate claims, the first of which reads ‘Longines the world’s most honoured watch” Then “Winners of 10 Worlds Fair Grand Prizes” and 28 Gold Medals (from the four government observatories in Washington, Kew London, Neufchatel and Geneva). Elsewhere we have seen “Classified first by the great Government Observatories”, “Official watch for Championship Sports the world over” and “The Premier Watch of Aviation, Exploration and Science”. Quite a roll call of achievements when the wristwatch was one of the leading technological advances of the day!
In Conclusion
This is a wonderful example of one of the most beautiful and sought after vintage Longines available.
We have been great admirers of vintage Longines ever since the 1960s and we simply cannot understand why they are so hugely undervalued. Technically they surpass almost all the high end brands, but whatever the reason it means they represent excellent value today and prices are certain to climb, as they have, markedly over the past 18 months! Surely without huge investments in ‘clever’ marketing by Rolex and Omega, Longines would be on par in terms of popularity today!
This is a relatively rare and highly collectable vintage gold watch from one of horology’s most respected names which will be certain to provide an excellent financial investment as well as something to treasure and enjoy!
Overnight Tracked and Fully Insured Next Day Delivery is free within the UK
And Overseas Fedex 1 – 3 day Tracked and Fully Insured Next Day Delivery Is £45
We are very happy to accept Paypal as this is the quickest method of payment. However we prefer payment by bank transfer or even by a cheque as this saves on transaction fees. Please let us know us know and we will be pleased to pass on the saving of 3% to you. Otherwise we can send you a Paypal invoice, which you may pay with any credit or debit card.
We are happy to take part exchanges of watches similar to those we sell on this website.
For more information, on this watch or others please call….
