35mm "Calatrava" style Longines from 1956. Looks to be all original. Originally sold in Italy and supposedly never left the country until now. Still ticking away nicely after 60 years, but probably needs a service!

Those wonderful golden applied markers, the dauphine hands, the freckled domed dial, those wonderful organically curved lugs: I'm in love.











Ok, I know this beauty would really come to life with a nice chestnut or cognac strap, but this is all I had for the moment, since the strap it came on was no longer wearable, to put it mildly.

Here's the movement shot (12.68z):



What say you?

 

I say Wow!

 

A beauty. Congratulations

 

freckles! ...and a beauty!

 

Congrats Great watch

 

Thanks!

 

Great contour to case with those lugs. Movement looks to be in great shape too.

 

really digging it...love those lugs! Congratulations!

 

Gorgeous watch!

 

I like the freckle dial, enjoy.

 

Thanks all. I'm really enjoying it, it's a dream to wear and to look at!

Indeed it does, it also runs smoothly, but I can't for the life of me seem to be able to open the watch to have a look myself, while it should be an easy operation, the case back just won't bulge. The only movement photo I have is the seller's. I suppose I should have it looked at anyway, just in case it does need some oiling.

 

Funny, I have an Italian-cased 30L that is almost imposs

I have an Italian-cased (by Binda according to the wonderful Longines historical record folks) 30L with the same issue. The caseback is so tight that I've only opened it once with only a minor, non-noticeable scratch but have been afraid to do so since given that experience. On the positive side, may help keep things out and the movement pristine. Maybe why you 12.68 looks so good!

 

There is a small sort of opening at the 9 o'clock side:



That corresponds with the bit of dirt seen on the side of the case inside (circled in red):


So hopefully I didn't open it even more by trying to pry at it (it still doesn't give).

I'll take it to service anyway because it loses about 1 minute a day. That's of course not too crazy for a watch that old, but it's also tough sometimes to pull the crown out properly (or maybe that's a good thing), either way, I'd feel better having it checked out.

Got a new strap for it though

 

I have something similar. I believe it may very well be unpolished as the edges are fairly sharp.


It came apart like this:

 

Mine has the exact same crescent opening, both for the caseback as well as one for the bezel. Mine eventually "popped" open but probably best left to your watchmaker. Love the strap.

 

I enjoy wearing vintage Longines
From time to time this one gets some wrist time

 

Classic and really clean. Looks great