Advice needed - Longines 6263 Sports Chief

Hi Everyone,

I am seeking some advice on a vintage Longines.

Ref 6263-12 which based on the serial dates to 1955/56.

I am not sure if this is a redial or not? My concerns start at the dial font of the “Sports Chief” ... the one I am looking at has a block style font whilst all others online have the classic cursive text.

Seller tells me that this block style text is original and was a release for a particular market.

See photos. Last pic is an example of the common cursive text across many sports Chief references.

Any thoughts or opinion?

Thanks in advance.

My gut tells me it's genuine. Obviously there are variations since yours has an explorer style numeral layout vs the other example with even number markers. I'm not familiar with that model but it's a great 50's style and I will keep my eyes open for one to wear. That would really pop on a beads of rice style bracelet and that would be my plan.

Ok cool thanks for the input.

Here is another one: https://www.wristchronology.com/vintage-ure/longines-two-tone-manual-anno-1957/

Thanks for that, yes it seems very uncommon as I can literally find nothing online similar to the block style text. Makes me wonder if it’s uncommon because it’s a redial.... hmmm. Will keep researching.

Yes this is nice ! It has the common cursive “sports Chief” text. Very nice. I was drawn to the design and dial layout. Cool vintage pieces.

Bonjour à tous,

En effet selon les marchés, cette Longines peut être équipée de différents calibres dont le 12 68 Z .
Il peut arriver que l'histoire de la montre apporte des modifications.
changement de couronne ; dos du boîtier ; boucle de bracelet ; cadran restauré ou repeint.
Garder en tête que les cadrans d'époque n'avaient pas les mêmes finitions qu'aujourd'hui et la patine du temps révèle beaucoup de défaut et apporte énormément de charme vintage.
Et parfois, on cherche le graal alors qu'il est sous nos yeux.
C'est deux montres ont des similitudes que l'on retrouve sur ces modèles d'époques.
Et ces calibres sont d'une fiabilité incroyable alors pour ma part, je veux bien les deux.