A stainless steel automatic watch by Longines with “Explorer” style dial. The watch has the added complication of having the subsidiary seconds set just above the 6 o'clock marker. The tonal sector dial has a chapter ring applied in fine black printing with unusual “T” shaped hash marks which is complemented by the double crosshair design on both the center of the dial along with the sub seconds dial. Below this, at the foot of the dial, is the original “Swiss” printing. The Longines name, along with the word “Automatic” are also printed in the same black stamping with the iconic winged Longines logo applied in stainless steel. This dial has all of the original Radium luminous material applied on each of the stylish, beveled, elongated hexagon shaped hour markers. Being that this is an Explorer style dial, with applied 3,6,9 and 12 o’clock markers the luminous material on these hour points are actually applied to the inner chapter ring on the “T” markers on top of the cross hair where they intersect. This would easily help locate the hands on the dial.
The watch is presented in excellent, original condition. The case is unpolished, which is a preferable option. The long, beveled lugs are sharp and crisp. The screw back case is quite typical from a number of Swiss watch makers of being a US contract case. Meaning the movement and dial were sent over from Longines in Switzerland, and then a contracted, specific case maker, was employed in the US to provide the case, having been designed and approved by Longines. This was very common at this time due to high taxes and duties being levied on imports from Europe. This case was made by case maker “Star” and is fully marked in the back of the watch. Star were a very well known, and large case maker in the US making cases for Longines and Omega, to mention a couple. Their cases are high quality and subsequently have aged well.
The watch is powered by the automatic caliber 19 A Longines movement. The movement was widely used by Longines in a number watches since its launch in 1952. It had a few variations; featuring the addition of a date, or just a simple sweep second also with date option. This example is in excellent condition and keeping very good time. The watch overall is in good condition, and commensurate with a watch that is now approaching 70 years old. The original winged logo crown is present. The dial is original and not re-finished, as is often the case with these mid-century dress watches and is in excellent condition. The beauty of a watch like this is that it can be worn with a suit, but while featuring a leather band, such as this, it will look equally at home with a t-shirt and jeans on the weekend. A very versatile, handsome and well-designed watch.
Case measurement: 33.5mm
This item is final sale.
