Dear OF,

Many months ago as I was just venturing into vintage I asked you guys about a Longines in our family. I only had two really bad pictures of it from my dad. It belonged to my Grandfather who died when I was very young. It is colloquially called the Mustache because of the really wacky shape of the lugs. I don't see many of these floating around and this one is in pretty good shape - a bit of a "safe queen."

Anyways, my grandfather (Harvey) liked his jewelry and was a bit on the flashy side even though he was a soft spoken man who never had a bad thing to say about anyone and nobody could say a bad thing about him. I hope I can find a picture of him wearing it but I suspect I won't because apparently even he was scared to wear it as not to damage it.

It has been sitting in a safe on Long Island for decades and finally dragged my dad today to come and open the safe deposit box and let me see it. He then said I could have it. It was very meaningful as just a couple of months ago I named my first Son after my grandfather. As soon as I got home I opened it up and snapped some pics. Looks to be in good shape. Powered by the 22L movement and currently on an old school Corfam strap (just like my grandfather used to wear it). It still ticks strong but I want to get it serviced before really wearing it again.






And finally, a wristshot.

My grandfather had a bunch of jewelry. He had a gold ring in the shape of a snake. He had a yellow gold diamond ring with a miner's cut diamond in it. In seeing all the jewelry it was clear that this watch fit his profile. Here is the (very heavy) gold chain he wore:


I already sent out an extract request from Longines and hope to hear back from them, but if anyone has any info they could add that would be nice too. Thanks for the awesome space here and for taking the time to read.

Thank you and happy holidays,
Ben

 

This is one of the most whimsical/interesting watches I've seen in a while. Grampa Harvey must've been a fun guy to to hang out with!

 

Thanks for sharing ( if only half the vintage watches we own, we knew the story and the wearer it would be great. Have a few I would like to be able to ask the owner about )

Don't need a picture of him wearing the watch.

Just need a picture of Harvey being Harvey

 

Great story and watch. Did he also have a Caddy?

 

Many of the US cased models had names, and I believe this was a “Revere”. A Revere Sweep with a 23zs center-seconds movement listed on www.vintagewatchresources.com. Mustache is much more fun. Cool watch and in great shape. Tons of 22l movements and parts out there, so should be able to keep it going for your grandkids.

 

Don't let your Bride see it or you'll never get it back!

Great story, wear it in good health, a fine Christmas/Holiday present.

 

Great story, your grandfather must have been quite a flamboyant character by the looks of things. Never seen a watch quite like that one, love the reference name of your grandfathers moustache. Enjoy it.

 

Awesome condition, it is really magnificent. Thanks for sharing it with us.
When you get it serviced, please make sure —- really sure— that you give it only to a good watchmaker who will absolutely not touch the case. One reason why this watch is so great is because its case was never polished. You must ensure it stays that way otherwise those crisp edges will disappear.
Based on where you are you should seei guidance to find a watchmaker who will be respectful ans will not polish it. Some watchmakers are overzealous and don’t listen to their clients, you need to make sure you go to someone who listens.
Best regards

 

Something fun to receive on an otherwise nasty snow day/bomb cyclone/whatever-you-want-to-call-it day in NY. Only sent this in 10 days ago. A really awesome service they offer and for free - great customer service! Other than the date it was invoiced (does that mean the day it was made or when it was sent out?) I guess this doesn't tell us so much more than what is already out there but cool to have nonetheless.

Thanks for the insight and kind words everyone!

 

It’s not the day it was made. Indeed the Longines registers also record the day ia watch is made available for sale, which inscribed as “date de prise” (in French), which roughly translates as “date taken”.
That’s prior to the date the watch is actually sold to a local agent / distributor.

 

I agree with UncleBuck, don't let your girlfriend see it.

Dragowoman has repeatedly let me know that she loves these watches (they appear from time to time at ebay, usually in sorry states of disrepair, at least as far as the case concerns), so sooner or later I will have to get one of these bigotes for her.

American Longineses are amazing; funny cases, gorgeous dials, and solid rock movements. What's not to like?

 

Was finally able to fish out a few pics of my grandfather wearing the watch -- at my parent's wedding! He was really tan from always being on the boat...

 

First, that’s a fantastic heirloom. The pictures make it even more special.

Second, it looks completely original and in great shape.

Third, that’s a NFW.

Lastly, tell your woman to get her own damn inheritance. Confident men can wear a diamond dial vintage Longines!

 

....and speaking of mustaches, has @M'Bob seen this thread?

 

Just found another Longines for sale with the same case. It could be yours for as low as $34999!

 

Very descriptive listing title as well!

 

I asked the seller if he could do better on price.