I may have the chance to purchase a very early 1946 22a automatic My knowledge of LongInes is limited Just one in my collection a 1961 mystery dial Looking at dating charts the movement serial number looks to be in the fist third of 1946 Which would tally with the launch of the 22a to the general public The dial looks original but does not show any automatic script Case has the long fancy lugs associated with late 1940s Any views would be welcome. Sorry no photos yet
If this is it, great! http://vintagewatchresources.com/watches/automatic/ Otherwise, I'm stumped. gatorcpa
I have been through this resource twice and can’t find anything like it The one you give was the closest I could see I really must obtain photos to get any further One other thing the movement and case number do not match I read they should on serial numbers below 15million for LongInes Is that correct
The case is in stainless steel Quite unlike anything I have seen before Major concern that it is a marriage or that it is a redial Hopefully photos tomorrow Absolutely certain the movement is a 22a automatic Movement number is 7196747
Steel cases from the period should have a 5 digit order number and an individual case number. Longines can confirm if the order number matches the serial number. Also, I think 7'196'747 might have been originally invoiced after the first third of 1946. Still, a very early automatic Longines. Curious to see pics.
Thanks again for that info being an Omega person generally LongInes are a whole new area The mystery dial in my collection came from a deceased estate which I was familiar with so Purchase was a no brainier This one is difficult Having looked again at the movement number with several other resources I would agree with you Probably more like mid to late 1946 I will check the case number and reply