Vintage Watches UK

The Dial

This gorgeous pink gold Longines date automatic features a very stylish black dial with 18ct pink gold hour indices and hands. ‘Sword’ watch hands are a preferred choice among ourselves on these larger vintage watches and here they suit the watch handsomely. Their great condition is immediately noticeable in how they gracefully shine under direct light and make this expertly restored dial stand out as one of the most beautiful in our collection. 18ct pink gilt batons mark the hours. All except ‘3’ where an aperture, framed in pink gilt, displays this watches date function.

The dial is signed and badged ‘Longines’, with ‘Automatic’ below and ‘Swiss Made’ at ‘6’. The dial is very clean without a single spot or mark visible to the naked eye. The popularity of black dial watches has increased markedly in the past decade. To find one featured on such a sizeable 18ct pink gold watch from Longines is a blessing and a pleasure as a watch collector.

The Case

As previously mentioned, this case measures 35mm excluding the original Longines crown. The case material is 18ct pink gold, much rarer in comparison to the yellow gold and stainless-steel models from Longines. It is for this reason that demand for vintage pink gold watches is higher than ever, and a model in such a condition as this certainly benefits significantly from its scarcity.

The lugs are discreet and ever-so-slightly taper into the rounded case. They are also swept back quite dramatically, as seen from the side profiles, to accommodate the thicker case which measures approximately 7mm excluding the lens. The case has this thicker profile to accommodate the Longines Cal.291 Date Automatic movement and its large winding rotor.

This 3-piece case has a stepped bezel and a rounded case-back, which both snap on and off with a reassuring pop, indicating a metal case of sound construction that hasn’t been significantly warped or bent. Inscribed on the inside of the snap on case-back is a Longines signature followed by Swiss 18ct hallmarks and the case reference numbers 7007 9 and 249.

The Movement

Longines are down-right incredible watchmakers. With over 160 patents on calibers and technical innovations in Switzerland they were truly incredible at their craft. Inevitably their technical excellence and knack for innovation culminates in their movements and to study this example from 1960 (Longines’ ‘hay-day’) really gives an insight into their supremacy at the time.

Housed in this watch is the Longines Cal.291 Swiss-made Date Automatic movement. It features a 360 degree winding rotor and with a glucydur winding gear. Glucydur, or beryllium-bronze, is an alloy with a remarkable low coefficient of thermal expansion, a useful trait to ensure your watch behaves predictably in a variety of climates. The pawn wheels are arranged in such a way to make them incredibly efficient, while retaining vast durability with larger teeth and no click spring.

The watch winds, sets and ticks very smoothly, as expected from a Longines movement. The date function ticks over immediately with a tactile click and has proved ‘bullet-proof’ in all our tests so far. The movement is signed with ‘Longines Automatic’, ‘Longines 24-Jewels Swiss’, the caliber number 291 and the movement serial number 11692449 which dates this watch to 1960.

Strap & Buckle

This watch is fitted with a dark brown calf leather strap and gold-plated buckle. If a different strap would be preferred, I can fit a 18mm strap provided by the buyer at no extra expense.

Conclusion

The watch is sold as is. I'm a private seller so unfortunately returns aren't an option, unless of course the watch is broken when it arrives. The watch will take a next day tracked and insured delivery service for the UK, and a 3-5 day service for customers abroad.

Please get in touch with a member of our team via the ‘Enquire’ link above or via our contact page. We are always happy to talk shop and negotiate a price we’re both comfortable with.