Longines Tank Case 14ct c1943

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.

Description

Here we have a superb, fully restored example of a gentleman’s Longines 14ct yellow gold dress watch from c1943. This was a time when Longines was considered one of the top Swiss watch manufacturers and commanded huge prestige, along with very high prices. This watch has a gently curved profile to help follow the profile of the wrist. This watch is fitted with its original Longines Calibre 9L movement which is very well regarded for its dependability and here is in superb condition.

The Dial

As can be seen, the fully restored ivory-cream dial is simply beautiful. ‘Art deco’ numerals on a ivory-cream dial with a classic 1940s subsidiary seconds dial at 6 o’clock. The very attractive dial is complemented with delightful, original ‘index’ style hands which look just wonderful!

During the 1940s, 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 dial is correctly and simply signed with ‘Longines’ at the top of the dial.

The original dial has been restored to the very highest standards and now looks simply stunning.

The Movement

This is the original Cal.9L, 17 Jewel movement which as can be seen, is in very clean condition considering its age. This movement was state of the art when it was introduced. This watch has been well maintained and we have just given it a full inspection and service and so we are happy to offer the watch with a 12 months warranty.* With care and regular servicing, say every 3 to 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to run quite happily for many more years to come.

As can be seen, the movement is in absolutely tip-top condition following a thorough overhaul and service by our vintage Longines specialist watchmaker. This means the movement has been completely disassembled, cleaned, inspected and rebuilt using only original Longines parts where required, then carefully calibrated and tested. Upon return, this watch is now running to within +9 seconds per day which is absolutely outstanding for any vintage watch of this age. When fully wound, this movement also has a 43 hour power reserve.

This movement is correctly signed with ‘Longines Watch Co’ along with the calibre numer 9L and the movement serial number 6505236.

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

The Case

The styling of this model is absolutely classic and timeless. The 14ct yellow gold case with straight lugs in absolutely wonderful, original condition and measures 20mm in diameter, excluding the correct, original unsigned crown, 29mm from top to bottom, 33mm from corner to corner excluding the lugs and 43mm including the wonderful straight lugs.

The watch case is in incredible condition with no marks, scratches or dings visible to the naked eye and importantly is of full-thickness, having never been inscribed.

The inside of the case back is correctly signed with ‘Longines’ along with ‘Cased and Timed in the U.S.A’, the case serial number 429548 along with the correct 14ct hallmarks.

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

The Strap & Buckle

This watch is fitted with a high quality black leather strap along with a plain 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 in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours at short notice.

Box and Papers

Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to c1943.

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”.

This watch comes complete with a Longines presentation box as shown in the photographs.

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

The watch here is a superb example of a most beautiful and sought after vintage Longines. A usable and highly collectable vintage gold gentleman’s dress watch, from one of horology’s most highly respected names which is a thing of beauty, to use, to wear, to treasure and to enjoy!

If treated with care this watch will remain a simply wonderful timepiece to use, wear, treasure and enjoy, providing excellent reliability as well as a sound financial investment – as long-lasting as the watch itself. As each year goes by and the world market for vintage gold watches expands, availability will become more limited, so prices are surely destined to 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 fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.

Please note, we also welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or a small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss this.

We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.

If you have any questions please call us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.

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

Thank you