Longines Cal.380 Automatic 18ct Pink Gold 1959 Oversize

Longines

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, but it has been treated as something of a Cinderella among the watch collecting fraternity until relatively 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 Swiss watch manufacturers. It is really only within the past three years that Longines vintage watches have risen again to the admiration and popularity they deserve, with values rising of by around 15 – 20% per year and on certain models, such as the now legendary Longines Calibre.13ZN chronograph, prices have sky-rocketed!

Description

A large size, gentleman’s automatic dress watch from Longines in an elegant 18ct pink gold case. This watch measures 35mm in diameter excluding the Longines signed crown and carries the highly accurate and reliable Calibre 380, 27 Jewel movement which was one of the finest automatics available at the time this watch was produced.

This is Longines model reference 6977 and was a very expensive watch in 1959, costing around £490.00, at the time. The same price in fact as the first Austin Mini which was launched in the same year. This watch however, was much rarer and more exclusive than the car and is much easier to keep and maintain.

The Dial

The silver-white dial is a classic example of Longines style and elegance. Clean, simple,  and very understated. Pink gilt ‘lance’ style hands are matched with Art Deco style 3, 6, 9, 12 numerals and faceted ‘arrowhead’ hour indices. This dial catches the light beautifully and can subtly change from silver to white, or cream, as we have tried to demonstrate in the photographs.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Longines excelled in all aspects of watch design. The company was rightfully held in very high regard for the quality of its movements and close examination of the dial and watch case reveals equal high regard for design, quality, purpose, and perfection. We also think almost all of the Longines classic vintage watch dial designs were a step ahead, in terms of design, elegance and sophistication and here is another excellent example, with everything in perfect proportion and balance. Having no date window means the dial is beautifully well balanced and even the name and the brand look more ‘in place’ than any other, which incidentally is the oldest registered trademark of any watch manufacturer.

This is the original dial which has been restored to the highest standards by our dial restorers who are considered to be the best in the UK.

The Movement

This watch contains its original Longines Cal.380, 27 Jewel movement which is popularly regarded as one of the best ‘in-house’ automatic movements Longines has ever made.

Following its restoration, overhaul and service, and as seen in the photographs, the movement is now in sparkling condition. This movement has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt using only original Longines parts where required. When tested and calibrated, this watch was running to within +2  seconds per day, which is outstanding for a vintage watch of this age, and when fully wound, this movement also has a 43-hour power reserve.

The movement is signed ‘LONGINES AUTOMATIC’ with the Calibre No. 380, the Serial No. 11203967 and 27 Jewels Swiss. This serial number dates this watch to 1959.

These movements are strong, accurate and very reliable making the watch appropriate for regular everyday use. This particular movement is in top condition and with regular servicing, every 3 to 4 years we would fully expect this watch to run very happily for many more decades to come! We are therefore pleased to offer a 12-month warranty on this watch movement* and servicing in the future, as required.

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

As always, our standard advice applies: Vintage Watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Watch Case

At 35mm in diameter, excluding the Longines crown, this was considered an oversize watch in 1959. The 18ct pink gold case has straight swept back lugs which raise the case slightly on the wrist and emphasises its presence. The crown is an original signed Longines crown.

This watch has obviously been very well cared for. The case has been professionally cleaned and lightly polished and is in superb condition with no scratches, dings or other marks visible to the naked eye. No matter how closely you might wish to examine the case it shows no signs of anything other than very light and careful use.

The case is signed ‘LONGINES’, ‘FAB SUISSE’, and ‘SWISS MADE’ with the Longines model ref.6977 1 and a further reference number 950. The case also carries Swiss Geneva 9ct hallmarks.

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

The Strap & Buckle

A new black buffalo calf leather strap has been fitted, along with a matching pink gold plated Longines 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 in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours at short notice.

The Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, all the numbers and markings on the watch are correct, dating the watch to 1959.

Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.

A matching vintage Longines presentation box will be included with this watch.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and, unfortunately, out of our control.

We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges; however, attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.

For those who happen to visit London on occasion, we are, of course, more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and hand your watch directly to you there.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.

In Conclusion

This is a wonderful example of one of the most beautiful and sought after vintage Longines available. A rare, highly collectable and practical vintage gold gentleman’s dress watch, from one of horology’s most highly respected names which is something of beauty, to use, to wear, to treasure and enjoy!

This watch will also make an excellent investment and family heirloom piece. Even though vintage Longines prices have continued to rise markedly in the past 3 – 4 years, we still feel fine examples such as this are very undervalued.  As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold watches continues to expand, availability will become more limited, so prices are surely destined to climb ever higher!

We have been great admirers of vintage Longines ever since the 1960s and for many years they have been very undervalued.  It is difficult to reason why as these watches technically surpass almost all the high-end brands. Whatever the reason, they represent excellent value even though prices have been increasing by around 20% per year during the past few years.

A word about our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring these 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 very successful, charging between two to three times the price you see here. We therefore consider our prices to be very fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would like to pay by UK bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer, we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.

Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and unfortunately out of our control.

We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges, however attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.

For those that happen to visit the UK on occasion we are of course more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and your watch directly to you there.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges, along with outright purchases of similar watches to restore, service and list. 

We can also offer Watch Service, Watch Repair & Watch Restoration, please see here.

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

We are here, ready, available and await your call.

Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine vintage gold watches.

Thank you.