getting started with vintage Longines...

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Shaggy

·Feb 24, 2023

I’ve come across vintage Longines completely by accident, and of course, I find myself on eBay looking at something relatively inexpensive to get started in the space…I’m looking to wear this, so not super interested in value but good condition and originality are important to me.

After a quick search, this seems to be the most informed group out there, so I thought I’d ask this group’s thoughts on a couple of watches:



This 8336-7 Admiral looks good, but not so sure about the bracelet, I haven’t seen a similar one anywhere.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2850853...fOHpgLsSEO&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY






What about this this Conquest 7171-5, seems very clean to me: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2660634...fOHpgLsSEO&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY




Any thoughts on these very welcome!

 

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Spruce

·Feb 24, 2023·Sunburst dial fan

Both look nice.
Both from Japan and Closer has a following on OF of members who’ve bought from him.
Prices on both are good but remember that you’re probably going to have to factor in import tax,:depending on where you are.
The only problem with 50 year old Longines, and I’m speaking as a collector, is that sometimes replacement parts are hard to source if they’re required.
A problem I’ve occasionally encountered buying from Japan is getting responses to additional questions, such as which movements are in the watches.
I like the bracelet - I’m almost tempted to dibs it if you buy the watch and the Conquest also has a signed buckle.
Well, you pays yer money and yer takes yer chance.

 

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Dan S

·Feb 24, 2023

I knew who the seller was as soon as I saw the first photo.

 

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DirtyDozen12

·Feb 24, 2023

Both watches look to be in quite good condition. Below is another Admiral with a similar bracelet. I am more drawn to the Conquest for its caliber 291 (more info here: https://omegaforums.net/threads/longines-vintage-automatics.411/#post-3519). The Admiral has a Record movement (more info here: http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?11&ranfft&a153&2uswk&Longines_506).

https://vintagewatchco.com.au/longines-admiral-automatic.html

 

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Shaggy

·Feb 24, 2023

Thanks for the feedback and tips all. Always good to hear that an eBay vendor has a following too.

I have been reading this forum for it but to work things out, what a great resource. I did consider the Conquest over the Admiral because of the the moment, but all up it seems like like a good package…might be easier to just to get both!

 

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WestCoastTime

·Feb 24, 2023

S Shaggy

I’ve come across vintage Longines completely by accident, and of course, I find myself on eBay looking at something relatively inexpensive to get started in the space…I’m looking to wear this, so not super interested in value but good condition and originality are important to me.
...
Any thoughts on these very welcome!

First one is missing a case clamp & screw, could have careless application of oil but hard to tell exactly from these photos.

Second one has a cleaner looking movement, but as with any eBay watch you are rolling the dice on service history.

No matter which you get, probably good to also consider the cost of a service in deciding what amount you are willing to spend.

I like Longines a lot, & both of these are attractive looking pieces. But you're dealing with vintage & eBay, so be prepared for a bit of an adventure...

 

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DirtyDozen12

·Feb 24, 2023

WestCoastTime

First one is missing a case clamp & screw

Would you point out where the missing case clamp and screw are supposed to go? It seems, to me, that the movement does have a case clamp and screw (see red arrow below). I have added a few more examples for comparison.

https://fromtimetotimes.com/products/705

https://www.1stdibs.com/en-gb/jewel...-calendar-wristwatch-ref-8336-3/id-j_1664103/

https://shop.watchsteez.com/products/longines-admiral-5-star-automatic-date-ref-8336-6-circa-1972

 

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WestCoastTime

·Feb 24, 2023

DirtyDozen12

Would you point out where the missing case clamp and screw are supposed to go? It seems, to me, that the movement does have a case clamp and screw (see red arrow below). I have added a few more examples for comparison.

I think @DirtyDozen12 is correct, I was looking at the empty hole next to the screw you indicate.

 

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Shaggy

·Feb 24, 2023

Thanks WestCoast, I hadn’t spotted that. And DirtyDozen for the research.

What’s life with out a little adventure? But, still a couple of questions back to the vendor on the Admiral I think.

I have planned on a service for whatever I buy, it was a local watchmakers vintage Longines that sent me down this rabbit hole!

Edited: Feb 24, 2023

 

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WestCoastTime

·Feb 24, 2023

S Shaggy

Thanks WestCoast, I hadn’t spotted that. It’s quite obvious now you mention it.

What’s life with out a little adventure? But, still a couple of questions back to the vendor on the Admiral I think.

Be sure to also see @DirtyDozen12 's reply. That empty hole I was pointing out may be only used in some different case variant.

 

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Dan S

·Feb 24, 2023

Those are fine watches and a great bracelet, but to my mind, the golden age of these Longines "dress" lines was earlier. And in some cases, the backs were as good as the fronts.

Edited: Feb 24, 2023

 

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Shaggy

·Feb 25, 2023

I agree Dan, I’m sure this won’t be the last time I’m here asking about some watch on I’m thinking about. But you have to start somewhere

 

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Fallout Boy

·Feb 25, 2023

Vote : Pro Tritium (Admiral) . classic design , nice lume! Even with the scratch on the dial.....

 

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Spruce

·Feb 25, 2023·Sunburst dial fan

Although the safer bet is a nearly new Conquest heritage

 

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Fallout Boy

·Feb 25, 2023

But @Spruce: this is a complete different style ref to post 1

 

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Spruce

·Feb 25, 2023·Sunburst dial fan

Fallout Boy

But @Spruce: this is a complete different style ref to post 1

Absolutely, but @Dan S was eulogising (rightly imho) the nice Longines case backs, and I commented on the difficulty of sourcing parts 😉

 

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COYI

·Feb 25, 2023

Longines are amongst my favourite brands for vintage watches and I have several from 1940s to 1960s. I recently bought a Conquest from a similar period to the one you have your eye on. I think they are very elegant watches powered by a solid 291 movement.

Edited: Feb 25, 2023

 

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Shaggy

·Feb 25, 2023

I must say, the case backs are a real drawcard…I have my eye on a couple of other items now, thanks. And in relation to things made from unobtainium, I also have a number of classic cars made of similar material!

In the end I have gone for the conquest, a key consideration was the Longines movement, I figure if I am going to buy vintage at least get a classic movement. Plus it looks very clean.

Still waiting for some answers on the Admiral, so we will see what happens there.

 

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DirtyDozen12

·Feb 25, 2023

Good choice! I came across an image of a catalog with a similar reference to 7171 (9040) and a classic car is not so discreetly depicted.

https://www.watchprozine.com/horolo...-longines-conquest-reference-9000/9036501/17/

 

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Shaggy

·Feb 28, 2023

The Conquest arrived today, and it looks fantastic and seems to be running pretty well..very happy with the purchase with Closer as well.