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Help identifying a 1940s (?) Longines

heavyblinker
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Hi! Total newb here and hoping someone might be able to help me identify this. It was my grandfathers - who died in 1948 - so I know it predates then. But that’s pretty much all I know 😀

Actually I also know it’s 35mm. And that if I take the back off I should be able to find a number. But I’m loathe to attempt to do that myself.

Anyway… apologies if these kind of threads aren’t the done thing round here. But if they are, then very grateful for any pointers what this might be!

Rich

IMG_5731.webp IMG_5732.webp
 
Dan S
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I can tell you that it's from Portugal, and it's an appealing watch. It would be a lot easier to identify the reference if you would just have it opened.
 
gatorcpa
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Dan S Dan S
It would be a lot easier to identify the reference if you would just have it opened.
Not too sure about that, as some of these watches do not have reference numbers on the inside.

However, with a movement serial number and a caliber number, we can give a better idea of the manufacturing date, plus or minus a couple of years. My guess would be between 1936-41 based on the picture shown.
gatorcpa
 
DirtyDozen12
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Looks to be 1940s. Likely a caliber 12.68Z inside. As @Dan S mentioned, it was probably originally invoiced to Portugal. The giveaway is the punch mark on the upper left lug. Notably, the two-tone dial is in original condition. Many Longines from the 1940s now have refinished dials, which significantly decreases their value. The hands and crown also look correct. As @gatorcpa mentioned, opening the watch probably won't reveal the reference number, but the order number. Overall, it is a nice example of a time-only Longines, with a relatively large case and attractive two-tone dial. If you have it serviced, make sure that (1) the dial is not tampered with, (2) the case is not polished, and (3) all hands and the crown are retained.
 
heavyblinker
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Thank you all! Very grateful for the replies and for the expertise!
@Dan S Portugal - that adds a layer of intrigue. My grandfather was born and lived in Germany before coming to the UK in 1938, but he did travel as part of his job
@DirtyDozen12 when you say to make sure the ‘dial isn’t tampered with’ does that mean don’t get it cleaned?

I’d be curious about value and also any recommendations for someone UK based who could be trusted to do a sensitive job servicing it

Thank you again!
 
Dan S
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gatorcpa gatorcpa
Not too sure about that, as some of these watches do not have reference numbers on the inside.

However, with a movement serial number and a caliber number, we can give a better idea of the manufacturing date, plus or minus a couple of years. My guess would be between 1936-41 based on the picture shown.
gatorcpa
Yes, but with the information inside, the search for a reference number would be easier than without it. 😀
 
heavyblinker
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Dan S Dan S
Yes, but with the information inside, the search for a reference number would be easier than without it. 😀
I’m quite handy but don’t have any of the professional tools. Is there a low risk way I can try to open?
 
Dan S
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If you look closely around the edge, you will probably see a small gap somewhere where the back meets the midcase. The back is removed by inserting a sharp blade into that gap.
 
Dan S
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I think you are look at the gap between the mid-case and the bezel on the front of the watch. You want to look for something similar, but between the mid-case and the back.
 
heavyblinker
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Dan S Dan S
I think you are look at the gap between the mid-case and the bezel on the front of the watch. You want to look for something similar, but between the mid-case and the back.
I see it! Now to find something sharp enough…
 
heavyblinker
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Dan S Dan S
I think you are look at the gap between the mid-case and the bezel on the front of the watch. You want to look for something similar, but between the mid-case and the back.
My sharp blade wasn’t sharp enough

I think I’ll get a pro to open it before I do some damage to the watch… and my fingers 🤦‍♂️😂
 
Dan S
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Yes, you do need to be careful not to hurt yourself.
 
LesXL
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I agree with all above comments/advises given by our Longines specialist members. These models wear bigger than usual with their slim bezel, very readable.
DirtyDozen12 DirtyDozen12
Looks to be 1940s. Likely a caliber 12.68Z inside. As @Dan S mentioned, it was probably originally invoiced to Portugal. The giveaway is the punch mark on the upper left lug. Notably, the two-tone dial is in original condition. Many Longines from the 1940s now have refinished dials, which significantly decreases their value. The hands and crown also look correct. As @gatorcpa mentioned, opening the watch probably won't reveal the reference number, but the order number. Overall, it is a nice example of a time-only Longines, with a relatively large case and attractive two-tone dial. If you have it serviced, make sure that (1) the dial is not tampered with, (2) the case is not polished, and (3) all hands and the crown are retained.
In addition to @DirtyDozen12 's comment, calibers 12.68 are quite robust and a good watchmaker shouldn't have much trouble servicing. Being an heirloom, I'd still advise in finding a good one, you can trust.

Don't hesitate to share your location (city) and I'm sure one of our members can recommend someone.

It's a great watch, so wear it in good health 😀
 
Deafboy
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I noticed that on the picture of the back that all four lugs appear split.

Here's a picture of my Longines (ref. 4055) with a similar, though smaller case. It dates from 1938 and has the 12.68z movement.
1739444300893.webp
 
heavyblinker
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LesXL LesXL
I agree with all above comments/advises given by our Longines specialist members. These models wear bigger than usual with their slim bezel, very readable.

In addition to @DirtyDozen12 's comment, calibers 12.68 are quite robust and a good watchmaker shouldn't have much trouble servicing. Being an heirloom, I'd still advise in finding a good one, you can trust.

Don't hesitate to share your location (city) and I'm sure one of our members can recommend someone.

It's a great watch, so wear it in good health 😀
Thank you so much! I’m in London.

Having done a bit of research I’m very sure I don’t want the dial refinished. But it would be ok to get it gently cleaned right? I love the patina and all the history contained in that. At the same time, I’m curious what all the dots might be and whether they can be gently cleaned up?

So much to learn!
 
heavyblinker
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Deafboy Deafboy
I noticed that on the picture of the back that all four lugs appear split.

Here's a picture of my Longines (ref. 4055) with a similar, though smaller case. It dates from 1938 and has the 12.68z movement.
1739444300893.webp
Ah yes they are! Is that a feature or something that needs to be fixed??

Yours is absolutely beautiful and looks very similar to this untrained eye. Thank you for sharing!
 
gatorcpa
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heavyblinker heavyblinker
But it would be ok to get it gently cleaned right?
Any attempt to clean the dial has risk that you will damage it further.

heavyblinker heavyblinker
At the same time, I’m curious what all the dots might be and whether they can be gently cleaned up?
The “dots” are remainders of tiny chemical reactions between the dial base metal and moisture that made it inside the case and through cracks in the natural lacquer used to seal the paint on the dial.

It may be possible to have a watchmaker run a soft brush over the dial to remove any loose dust or dirt. Only you and your watchmaker can determine the appropriate treatment if any.

Hope this helps,
gatorcpa
 
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