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13ZN find

S
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Hello Everyone, new to the forum 馃榾

I have recently found this watch from my late grandfather, and confirmed by email with Longines Heritage that it is a 13ZN chronograph from 1948.

Front is looking quite rough but the movement seems fine. Any recommendations what to do with it? Send it to Longines for assessment/repair? I don't plan to sell it, but knowing what it could be worth would be good to understand how much to spend on getting it operational.

Looking forward to hearing people's thoughts!

PXL_20250329_141159941.webp PXL_20250329_145724481.webp
 
Mark020
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Nice heirloom. Don't send it to Longines. Tell us where you live and we'll recommend a watchmaker
 
Dan S
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There is no need to do anything with it unless you are planning to wear it or sell it. Just put it away in a safe dry place and take your time. People who don't know what to do and what not to do with collectible watches often make bad choices.
 
big case
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and if you want to wear it sometimes, let check the movement and the hand has
to be attached and a new plexi
 
S
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Indeed, I would indeed like to get it back into operation and wear it sometimes. However of course want to make sure this is done by someone who knows what they're doing and will keep it as close to original as possible. I thought sending it to Longines might be the safest bet.
 
Larry S
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Looks like it鈥檚 all there. My guess: Took a dive off a night stand at some point. Crystal, movement service. I鈥檇 budget 1000 euro for the service which is nothing compared to its value. Leave the dial alone!
 
S
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Mark020 Mark020
Nice heirloom. Don't send it to Longines. Tell us where you live and we'll recommend a watchmaker
Thanks, good point! I live in Brussels, any suggestions where to send it are welcome
 
big case
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S spaceinvader
Indeed, I would indeed like to get it back into operation and wear it sometimes. However of course want to make sure this is done by someone who knows what they're doing and will keep it as close to original as possible. I thought sending it to Longines might be the safest bet.
what should Longines do?

a good vintage watchmaker can do the movement overhaul and 1000 euro is a lot of money for this
 
Dan S
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S spaceinvader
Thanks, good point! I live in Brussels, any suggestions where to send it are welcome
Serious collectors often are not eager to publish the contact information of their watchmakers on a searchable forum. I'd suggest networking with local collectors through a meetup group. Alternatively, you can search the forum to find other members in your area and send them a PM, asking nicely and affirming that you will not be a troublemaker with their watchmaker.
 
LesXL
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Dan S Dan S
There is no need to do anything with it unless you are planning to wear it or sell it. Just put it away in a safe dry place and take your time. People who don't know what to do and what not to do with collectible watches often make bad choices.
I second and triple this... Plus, all in all it won't be cheap as it is a really special watch and movement. Should want to wear it, or any vintage watch, keep in mind that vintage watches are delicate pieces, not like our lovely national Belgian rain, or to be worn while cooking or washing hands/dishes etc
Dan S Dan S
Serious collectors often are not eager to publish the contact information of their watchmakers on a searchable forum. I'd suggest networking with local collectors through a meetup group. Alternatively, you can search the forum to find other members in your area and send them a PM, asking nicely and affirming that you will not be a troublemaker with their watchmaker.
I second and triple this too 馃榾
 
LesXL
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big case big case
what should Longines do?

a good vintage watchmaker can do the movement overhaul and 1000 euro is a lot of money for this
Might not be depending on what need to be sourced/replaced... starting already with the correct minutes hand if it is damaged
 
big case
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if the watch was on the wrist from the the grandfather for example during a plane crash
the minute hand will be a problem of course

also Abel Court can be contacted - usually Heuer specialist , but a good watchmaker
(and they existe not so rare) also can do a 13 ZN overhaul
 
S
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Dan S Dan S
Serious collectors often are not eager to publish the contact information of their watchmakers on a searchable forum. I'd suggest networking with local collectors through a meetup group. Alternatively, you can search the forum to find other members in your area and send them a PM, asking nicely and affirming that you will not be a troublemaker with their watchmaker.
Interesting, but now I have to ask, what does being a troublemaker to a watchmaker mean? 馃榿
 
tigertom
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I bought a 30CH at auction last autumn and sent it to Longines HQ for inspection, service and certificate of authenticity two months ago. Communication with them is not easy, last information was that it is authentic and will be ready for pickup in August - so this will be the earliest possible date I could give you feedback on their service.

If you think about having a restoration, I would send them good pics and ask them for a cost estimate. Also I would tell them not to touch the dial, unless it has already been redone.
Edited:
 
Mark020
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Ok but what brings a factory service you then? Other than a massive bill?
 
tigertom
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Their biggest asset is a huge pool of spare parts for those old and valuable calibers, so they should be able to restore the watches with original parts if necessary
 
Larry S
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big case big case
what should Longines do?

a good vintage watchmaker can do the movement overhaul and 1000 euro is a lot of money for this
1000 euro to sort this very collectible watch is NOT a lot of money. What do you think it costs to overhaul a chronograph? Right now the going rate at my watchmaker is $600 for a basic service.
 
Larry S
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Mark020 Mark020
Ok but what brings a factory service you then? Other than a massive bill?
Frankly, unless the watch was missing parts or needed a factory grade dial refinish, I鈥檇 not consider Longines. That is not the case here. I鈥檇 happily hand this to my watchmaker knowing full well that I鈥檇 be pleased with the finished product.
 
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