Longines

1961 Longines 9k gold watch

A solid gold Longines presentation dress watch from the companies golden period was desirable then, and is desirable now. HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH? From the serial number on the movement we know this was made in 1959. The Birmingham hallmark shows it was assayed in 1960, but the engraving on the case back is the most prominent way of showing this was presented in 1961. CONDITION The deep engraving shows that this was a long service award to A.E. Rose by Blue Circle Group, which are best known for supplying cement to the building trade in the UK. Inside the case back shows that this was made by Dennison for Baume, the UK Importer for Longines and Audemars Piguet – this is quite normal as it was a way of avoiding the punitive import duty on complete gold watches, by having the Swiss made movements put in British made watch cases. The movement is Longines 12.68ZS, a seventeen jewel movement with many of the jewels set in gold chantons, a real sign of quality. The dial does have patina, and it is also slightly off the level – this is more noticeable in the photos than on the wrist. The winged hourglass logo, the oldest consistently used logo in the World, also has some slight damage. But without these issues the watch would be a lot more expensive, as Longines of this period are widely respected and collected. The leather strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour if preferred. This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity. SIZE Width with crown 34.9 mm Width without crown 33.3 mm Between lugs 18 mm Lug to lug length 40.6 mm Case Thickness 10.7 mm All sizes are approximate.