1952 Longines Vintage Gentleman’s Watch

1952 Longines Vintage Gentleman’s Watch

The Longines is one of those enduring watch groups, like Rolex and the Omega, that qualifies as an icon in the eyes of the vintage watch collecting community. A solid watch that combined elegance with very robust build, catering for wealthy, active buyers who wanted rugged timepieces that were also craftsman finished to an impeccable standard and expensive status symbols.

CASE:

The initial reaction when seeing this watch is one of being surprised at its large size. With a width of 33.7mm and 35mm lug to lug and a drum-like depth of just under 10mm, this is a noticeable piece that is considerably bigger than most others of its era. The case is 10K gold filled. Case condition is in good with slight gold lost. I have pointed out the places that are concerning, and just the very slightest handling marks here and there that can only really be noticed with the aid of a jeweler’s eyeglass. The case here has not been subjected to any repair work in the past and is entirely free of corrosion throughout. Inside the case reads: 2263-1 Longines Wittnaeuer Watch Co. Inc. New York, Montreal, 10K Gold Filled, 8819372
Outside the case reads Longines 10K Gold Filled. Outside the case reads: Longines 10K Gold Filled.

The Longines is Quadruple-signed, Dial, Movement, Case

Dial

Dial condition is original and excellent, but certainly not perfect. This watch is air tight, however there is some tool marks near the 7 o’clock and very minor aging to the dial surface which ironically, is very pleasing to the eye, but it takes the dial slightly out of the near mint bracket when graded by a critical collector. “Longines” is signed above the dial centre point, and Swiss below the Sub-subsidiary seconds hand. The hour batons are in 18K gold, which match the original pitched dauphine shaped hands. The plating on both the hands and batons is slightly tarnished but almost perfect.

Movement:

Longines calibre 23z, a launched in 1952, two years before the Longines Flagship made its debut, this unit employed the same architecture as many of the vintage Longines wristwatch movements, most noticeably with an exposed winding mechanism, but was aesthetically entirely new and shares very little in appearance with its forebears. Many Longines purists will argue, quite convincingly, that these were the finest manually wound mechanism of its era, by any maker. The earliest type, which is the one here, ran at 18000 half beats per hour and was offered with subsidiary seconds, as here, and with centre seconds under the related calibre number 23z. Resulted in a very solid, highly reliable mechanisms that had evolved gradually over a long period of time, having had any teething troubles long since ironed out. The movement reads: Longines 23Z 17 Jewels Swiss 9563078

We disassembled it, cleaned every single tiny part, put it back together, polished all surfaces, and calibrated it to keep good time. Sounds expensive and complicated? It is! It will cost you about $150 to have this work done. The Timegrapher test the movement at few seconds fast per day.

Attached to this watch is a standard length brand new, 19mm wide, quality Lizard genuine leather band in black with unsigned anti-allergic buckle in yellow tone.

Finer Details
Manufacturer: Longines
Country of origin: Switzerland
Serial no.: 9563078
Year built: c. 1952
Model:
Case material: 10K Gold Filled
Case markings (outside): Longines 10 Gold Filled
Case markings (inside): 2263-1 Longines Wittnaeuer Watch Co. Inc. New York, Montreal, 10K Gold Filled, 8819372
Case condition: Good with Slight Gold Lost
Dial:  Original in Good condition with pleasing patina
Hands: Original in Excellent condition
Movement type: Cal 23Z
Movement markings: Longines, 17 Jewels, Swiss, 23Z
Band: New Black Lizard with gold tone buckle
Crystal type: Excellent condition
Serviced: Yes, freshly cleaned and oiled.
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system.
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

I will include a 3 month guarantee on the movement which is long enough for you to assess the working order. Also, I offer a refund if you are not entirely happy, as long as the watch is returned within seven day’s. (shipping is not refundable)

A 3 month layaway option is available. There is no restocking fee or cancellation fee’s if things don’t work out. A complete refund of payments upon cancellation.

Vintage watches tend to be smaller. Please be sure that you are familiar with the sizes of vintage timepieces and check the measurements given.

Vintage Watches make great gifts for occasions such as Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthdays and Christmas. These vintage models are becoming much sought after and very rare so it’s not something you see in everyday life making it something very special and unusual to give and receive.