Longines Flagship 9K Cal.340 Auto 1961 Immaculate Throughout + Box! – Sorry Now Sold

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. And here we have a perfect example from 1961 when technically, Longines were competing head to head and beating almost all of the other the Swiss watch manufacturers. This is one of the finest examples of the Longines Flagship we have seen in a long while. It has a large 9ct 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 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 len, this is very hard to beat! And of course.. this is the reason for Longines reissue ‘Heritage’ copies of their own earlier vintage models, along with those of many other brands.

The Case

The immaculate 9ct solid yellow gold case has swept back lugs which raises the case slightly on the wrist and emphasises its presence. At 35mm 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 the case-back are Geneva Swiss 9K, 0.375 9ct hallmarks and Longines case model ref no.3403. This watch has obviously been vey well cared for with only occasional use. The case has been professionally cleaned and lightly polished and is in superb condition, showing only very minimal signs of wear. The crown is of course an original Longines crown.

The Movement

The high grade Cal.340 automatic 17 Jewels movement here is one of Logines 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. 11,796,986 dating the watch to 1961. Having been thoroughly overhauled by ourselves, we are very happy to offer this watch with a 12 months 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 new high quality brown padded leather Hirsch 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 all correct and date the watch to 19601. Detailed particulars are included with the receipt, along with the warranties and a separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will be provided at the time of sale. 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 Observertories”. “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! And surely without huge investments in ‘clever’ marketing by Rolex and Omega, – Longines would be on par in terms of popularity today!

So, 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….

Thank you.