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13ZN find

big case
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this is not a collector-grade watch and will not be, what ever you do for reason of the dial

it is not possible to improve the dial

the owner is no watch collector

our judge about (our) watchmakers base on different experience and our connections
and at least so we pay different prices

the movement generelly looks good and to restore a running movement and improving
the mechanical behavior incl. the chrono could be possible perhabs without parts

i think, that is the intention from TS

if this would be a collector-grade watch (having a better dial) i also would send it
to Longines for other reasons mentioned, specially because Longines than will
issue a certificate (specially often the dials 30CH and 13ZN are questionable with
the watch)

this example the watch with the dial should be authentic - it needs to see the case
and caseback to judge (also condition)

if money (shipment, time ...) doesn't matter, of course Longines is a option also
for this watch
 
Mark020
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Larry S Larry S
Frankly, unless the watch was missing parts or needed a factory grade dial refinish, I’d not consider Longines. That is not the case here. I’d happily hand this to my watchmaker knowing full well that I’d be pleased with the finished product.
Exactly that.
 
S
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tigertom tigertom
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
Indeed this was my rational for considering sending it to Longines, since I'd like to keep it as original as possible. However it seems that the consensus here is that unless something is very wrong with it, a local experienced watchmaker would be the best option. I'll probably go that route. Thanks everyone for the valuable insights!

Collectability has been mentioned. How would I go about assessing the "Collectability" of this watch? I've read about the 13ZN and its historical importance, but I am not sure what makes one or another more collectible or valuable. Looking at Chrono24, prices seem to be in a huge range.
 
Mark020
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Simply put up to 50% of the value of a vintage watch is in the dial. Yours is so so however repainting it will not improve the collectabilty so basically just have it serviced and install a new plexi and wear it.
 
big case
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Mark020 Mark020
Simply put up to 50% of the value of a vintage watch is in the dial. Yours is so so however repainting it will not improve the collectabilty so basically just have it serviced and install a new plexi and wear it.
that's it
 
Larry S
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S spaceinvader
Indeed this was my rational for considering sending it to Longines, since I'd like to keep it as original as possible. However it seems that the consensus here is that unless something is very wrong with it, a local experienced watchmaker would be the best option. I'll probably go that route. Thanks everyone for the valuable insights!

Collectability has been mentioned. How would I go about assessing the "Collectability" of this watch? I've read about the 13ZN and its historical importance, but I am not sure what makes one or another more collectible or valuable. Looking at Chrono24, prices seem to be in a huge range.
It’s an iconic watch with a fair, not awful dial. It’s still worth many multiples of the cost to bring it back to wearable condition.
 
Larry S
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S spaceinvader
Interesting, but now I have to ask, what does being a troublemaker to a watchmaker mean? 😁
It means that you either become the intermediary between your watchmaker over some miscellaneous issue and the person who acts on your recommendation or you have to listen to the kvetching. Been there done that. Happens with auto mechanics, plumbers ect too.
 
vujen
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I don't see the sweep second hand here in the pic, am I missing it?

Anyway as said, it's a very rare watch, very collectible if in great condition. This example is in fair condition. Service it and if you don't like the gold bracelet, sell it as gold (it's not a Longines bracelet from what I see) and with that money you'll have funds (and something left, of course) to service the watch.
 
Larry S
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vujen vujen
I don't see the sweep second hand here in the pic, am I missing it?

Anyway as said, it's a very rare watch, very collectible if in great condition. This example is in fair condition. Service it and if you don't like the gold bracelet, sell it as gold (it's not a Longines bracelet from what I see) and with that money you'll have funds (and something left, of course) to service the watch.
Ope! Yep, the sweep ( Chrono Hand) is either hiding well or missing. Good catch. That might need to be sourced.
 
S
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Indeed, you're right that the chrono hand is missing, and I have no clue how that is possible since the plexi doesn't have any holes it could have slipped through
 
Larry S
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S spaceinvader
Indeed, you're right that the chrono hand is missing, and I have no clue how that is possible since the plexi doesn't have any holes it could have slipped through
I’ll bet the plexi popped off when it fell and whoever popped it back on wasn’t paying attn. Watchmaker you choose can source this part. Harder with Hour/Minute and subdials.
 
tigertom
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Larry S Larry S
I’ll bet the plexi popped off when it fell and whoever popped it back on wasn’t paying attn. Watchmaker you choose can source this part. Harder with Hour/Minute and subdials.
This I doubt, even Longines heritage department has problems with genuine old hands, crowns, buckles (first hand information I got directly from them) 🤷‍♂️
 
Larry S
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tigertom tigertom
This I doubt, even Longines heritage department has problems with genuine old hands, crowns, buckles (first hand information I got directly from them) 🤷‍♂️
I doubt an exact hand can be found but something close perhaps.
 
JohnLy
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It seems to me the difference in cost to repair at Longines vs a local watchmaker is not that much. It has been my experience that you won't find out if you require a part thats worn, broken or missing until you actually break down the movement or do a very comprehensive exam. If the time element is of no concern I personally would ship it to Longines for the service leaving the dial as is.
 
Dan S
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I will just mention that number of $1000 is just a guess that a member posted. Nobody knows how much Longines will charge for a vintage restoration of this chronograph. From what I have read in previous threads, the vintage restoration departments of most Swiss manufacturers often charge amounts that are exorbitant.

In this case, given the overall condition of the watch, I really don't see the upside in sending the watch to the manufacturer, but everyone has their own preferences.
 
tigertom
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Dan S Dan S
I will just mention that number of $1000 is just a guess that a member posted. Nobody knows how much Longines will charge for a vintage restoration of this chronograph. From what I have read in previous threads, the vintage restoration departments of most Swiss manufacturers often charge amounts that are exorbitant.

No, the cost is NOT exorbitant but imho quite fair compared to other watch brands. The cost estimate for my 30CH restoration did not shock me at all, but one has to be patient, as it actually takes about six months until you can expect to get your serviced watch back.

Condition of the watch (movement, case, hands…) will of course play a role when requesting a cost estimate, hence they require you to send them the watch (either via courier or a Longines service center).
 
Dan S
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tigertom tigertom
No, the cost is NOT exorbitant but imho quite fair compared to other watch brands. The cost estimate for my 30CH restoration did not shock me at all, but one has to be patient, as it actually takes about six months until you can expect to get your serviced watch back.

Condition of the watch (movement, case, hands…) will of course play a role when requesting a cost estimate, hence they require you to send them the watch (either via courier or a Longines service center).
Perhaps you would like to share the details.
 
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