Recently we had an interesting thread about early Conquest 1954 which was marked as "waterproof"
Longines was a pacemaker with the production of waterproof watches. (for example first waterproof chronograph Ref. 4270 "mushroom" in 1937.


This led me to the question, when did Longines produce its first waterproof automatic wristwatch and which models were these?
The earliest "waterproof" manual wind examples of wristwatches from Longines date back to around 1919 when Baume GB used screw down silver cases.



The first Automatic wristwatch from Longines was serial 6.999.999 a prototype watch - not for resale - from 1945 - Cal. 22A


Of course Longines produced the legendary Skin diver "Nautilus 6921" in 1959.


But which watches were the first waterproof automatics from Longines? I guess they are in between 1952 and 1959?
During this period Longines marked case backs with different motives like fish and others. Some waterproof watches were still snap back, others screw back.

 

I just did find a first example with a 9. million serial number around 1953 - but I m confident there are others which are more early?

 

and another sample from Goldenbergers Longines book:
9. million serial 1958

 

I've seen a few of the 9m serial automatics. They pop up now and then.

 

another question is: Is this a "waterproof" case? 7.7 million... 1949

 

It is a reference 6001 - I have no statement about being waterproof or not

 

83xxxxx serial number

Bought it years ago for the very uncommon case back.

 

Neat Conquest-esque caseback on this one..

https://www.ebay.com/itm/184694672364Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network

 

Just received a early one with 7mio serial

 

Very cool! Thanks DD.

 

Unfortunately this watch, serial number 7409893, is a franken.
I had queried Longines about it last May as someone was offering it for sale on the web.
It is back on the market on auction.
Below is an excerpt of the email I received from Jennifer Bochud last May, indicating this movement refers to a wristwatch bearing the case reference 6000, and not the case reference 6322 in which it is currently.

The pictures below are the ones which I supplied to Longines and which had been published as part of the sales listing.

 

very interesting! if you have exstract information please share it with us!

 

Hi @divetime The extract for this watch is the Jennifer Bochud email excerpt I posted above in French, which I’m happy to translate for you,
“serial number 7409893 identifies a stainless steel wrist watch bearing reference 6000. It is equipped with a mechanical Longines automatic winding movement, caliber 22A and it was invoiced May 9,1949 to the company Wirth, which was then our agent for Switzerland”.

Of course I’d be interested whether anyone has received any different information from Longines.

 

thank you! Amazingly early for an automatic watch. The prototypes were made in 1945. 7. million serial is really rare!

 

Hi Tony, I'm wondering if you could share any info you've been able to find about your watch? Is the number below the Longines logo a reference number? I'm just curious because I saw one in a second hand shop yesterday, same caseback design but a different number stamped on it. If they're considered very uncommon I might have to duck back and pick it up. Love seeing these pieces from Longines' history!