Claw lug Longines

DirtyDozen12 · Aug 31, 2016

@ulackfocus I appreciate the correction as 1950s Longines are still well outside of my wheelhouse.

I was looking at @Tony C.'s 14.68Z, since its reference number (6059) is close to this watch's (6055), and it appears that the "Longines" fonts are pretty similar. I would be interested to see a larger image of each to compare.

Tony C. · Sep 1, 2016

As I was tagged, I just viewed this thread for the first time.

Look, Louis (of Hodinkee), I continue to give you credit for responding to criticisms on this forum. Hat's off, and I mean it.

Having said that, it is absolutely disgraceful that the subject watch would not have been advertised as having a redial. It is not even a close call, as it is a poor redial. If you are truly unsure, then I suggest you seek another line of work, and I mean that, too.

The fact that Hodinkee didn't trumpet its originality underscores that someone on your end was at least queasy about it, so why not be honest with your customers? It boggles my mind that a site which sprang from such obvious passion for vintage watches would undermine its own reputation time and again with dubious characterizations of arguably overpriced watches.

Regards.

Tony C.

dx009 · Sep 1, 2016

Just in case someone was not aware Hodinkee is a business. That means they have employees to pay, certain obligations and partnerships to fulfill, spending, profit, budgets and so on.

The days when Benjamin Clymer, founder of Hodinkee, was writting blog posts about watches out of passion for mechanical watches and selling cheap straps out of his apartment in NYC are long gone. (not intended to be a rant, just saying that they've evolved into something different now and it should be expected of them to be the kind of business that sells for a profit whether we like it or not)

Here's an interesting older article: http://blogs.reuters.com/small-business/2013/01/10/on-time-qa-with-hodinkee-founder-ben-clymer/

gatorcpa · Sep 1, 2016

dx009
Just in case someone was not aware Hodinkee is a business. That means they have employees to pay, certain obligations and partnerships to fulfill, spending, profit, budgets and so on.

That is true, but I still think business ethics are important. Don't advertise something as "original" unless you are sure of it, or at least consult with someone who is more expert than you.

Better company policy would be to not profess an opinion if one doesn't know.

gatorcpa

Larry S · Sep 1, 2016

Let's call them relatively objective watch journalists. Then let's say they have been a valuable source of info for watch enthusiasts. Then they start selling straps, which by and large are pretty good if a bit expensive. Then they expand into Watchville ( site aggregator) and open a boutique selling watches and other antiques. Then they get caught multiple times now flogging questionable watches at high prices. I'd have to say that undermines their brand and credibiltiy that allowed them to be successful. Slippery slope. Honesty and accuracy do matter.

AAAKK · Sep 1, 2016

dx009
Just in case someone was not aware Hodinkee is a business. That means they have employees to pay, certain obligations and partnerships to fulfill, spending, profit, budgets and so on.

The days when Benjamin Clymer, founder of Hodinkee, was writting blog posts about watches out of passion for mechanical watches and selling cheap straps out of his apartment in NYC are long gone. (not intended to be a rant, just saying that they've evolved into something different now and it should be expected of them to be the kind of business that sells for a profit whether we like it or not)

A successful business for profit and a business that is forthright with respect to the goods they sell are not mutually exclusive. As @Tony C. alluded to in regards to this particular watch, its basically admission by omission. If you're going to emphasize originality with some watches, then you should have no problem noting non original or questionable parts.

dx009 · Sep 1, 2016

As @gatorcpa said I think they should have just kept quiet in regards to the originality of the watch and not tell people that it's fully original from the factory or anything like that.

Watch enthusiasts would tell right away what it is while "civilians" would not. It wouldn't be the first time that someone pays enormous amounts of money for a watch that is redialed, reconditioned, franken, marriage, etc. It's not nice that it happens but we see it happening a lot and it won't end anytime soon, reason for which it's a good idea to ask or do your research before clicking "Buy Now!".

Waltesefalcon · Sep 1, 2016

I love this forum, I am learning so much about what to look for to identify a redial.

lethalwl · Sep 1, 2016

Thanks everyone for chiming in, I have taken your points.
I would nonetheless have loved to see it compared to another similar reference.

In any case, I have of course let the buyer know about your suspicion, we fully stand behind our watches so if he has any concerns he can obviously return the watch anytime.

Thanks for following the Shop,

Louis

Syrte · Nov 10, 2016

DirtyDozen12
For one thing, the signature is awful. I also vote redial.

Looks like we now have a proper original dial to compare with the (badly redialed) OP.
Much cheaper too, by the way.
(if it's not original it's much higher quality in any event).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-195...427614?hash=item2ef70ea49e:g:tkUAAOSwKOJYIm5E

gatorcpa · Nov 10, 2016

99% sure that this watch has the original dial. Even has "Swiss" in tiny letters in the correct location:

What's funny is that this seller is noted for redials and overpolished watches. This one looks all original and the case hasn't been butchered too badly. A rarity for them.

I think it's also way overpriced. Probably by a factor of two, at least.
gatorcpa

Syrte · Nov 10, 2016

gatorcpa
99% sure that this watch has the original dial. Even has "Swiss" in tiny letters in the correct location:

Gee, you're right, I missed that "swiss" -- I agree then, 99% sure too !

Greatpa · Nov 11, 2016

Getting so much new information and views from this threat! wait.. From the whole forum!! 🥰 Thank you guys! 🙄

Syrte · Oct 26, 2017

This watch which was offered on Ebay from Anaheim California has now changed hands and is now visibly in the possession of a collector of post WWII Longines watches.
He just posted it on Instagram. I am pretty sure it is the same watch, which I suspect languished for a long time due to its asking price of 1750 USD.
If it isn’t the same watch, then it means we now have two original examples to compare to the OP redialed watch sold by Hodinkee.

Vitezi · Oct 26, 2017

Did this dial style not have printed minute markers?

Syrte · Apr 6, 2019

Realizing I forgot to post this one— offered in a local US auction in September 2018.

bimbim1207 · Apr 10, 2019

i didn't see this post until now. That's a shitty watch Hodinkee put up. Shame on them.

Syrte · Apr 24, 2019

When it rains it pours.... if this isn't original at least it's considerably nicer than the OP.
https://www.ebay.de/itm/Longines-Vi...093549?hash=item2f2e78382d:g:kdsAAOSwnj5cVGk9

michael22 · Apr 24, 2019

Syrte
When it rains it pours.... if this isn't original at least it's considerably nicer than the OP.
https://www.ebay.de/itm/Longines-Vi...093549?hash=item2f2e78382d:g:kdsAAOSwnj5cVGk9

Same handset as the immediately previous example.
The OP watch had shorter, less elegant hands.

Claw lug Longines

DirtyDozen12

Tony C.

dx009

gatorcpa

Larry S

AAAKK

dx009

Waltesefalcon

lethalwl

Syrte

gatorcpa

Syrte

Greatpa

Syrte

Vitezi

Syrte

bimbim1207

Syrte

michael22

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