but I need your help. Prices on stainless 1940’s Longines in a “certain” style are all over the map. Some of this is due to size differences or whether the particular example is a sei or tre tacche. However, I’ve still struggled to find a baseline on which I can judge the pricing on this guy. Based on the serial number, this is late 40’s. Very attractive 12.68z, with light patina on the dial. 33mm, which is small but I’ve found these examples tend to wear large on the wrist. What would you buy it at?
Photos aren't great but it does not appear to be a redial. Hour/minute hands are atypical and likely replacements. Wondering if this reference should have shock-protection. For reference (dial and price), this just sold on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1940-Longines-steel-12-68-Z-034-calatrava-034-style-EXC-/222890106088?hash=item33e5491ce8:g:qIYAAOSwg3tap8g8&nma=true&si=oyybafsCLFiPIN1IXfnQFe5KYGo%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
Think If one was looking for a 33mm example one should consider the example TonyC has listed in the sales section.
Anything in particular that screams out redial here Dennis? Here to learn, and on a cursory glance, the logo and dial look ok.
I had the same question about the hands. I would expect a propeller shape. With that said, I think I’ve seen examples with these types of hands from the same time period.
There are redialers now who can recreate many Longines fonts very well. What makes me believe it's been redone is the subdial - the concentric circles aren't as crisp as they should be, which happens when paint fills the trenches and smoothes out the whole area. To use the reference given earlier, look at the subdial and how deep the trenches are in the concentric circles on that eBay watch linked to above: There are several members here who I regularly disagree with about originality of these 40's Longines dials. That particular era's LONGINES font is one of the styles that I've seen recreated very well plenty of times. Knowing how poorly those dials hold up because of inferior top coat materials, I will always lean towards a redial if the slightest hint is present.
I love that example, but we are talking about an order of magnitude in price difference. I could pick this guy up without having to cut one loose. I would certainly need to in order to buy the one @Tony C. has listed (lovely as it is) and I’m not sure I want to part with anything.
Tony C's is original. You can tell by the patina. Don't ask me to explain it in words - just put pictures of each next to each other.
I mean, I don’t really post these listings. Maybe there is something here subconsciously that bugs me. You have an interesting theory about the subdials. I’m not sure the photos are good enough to tell for certain, but it’s certainly possible.
I wouldn't write the Longines in the OP off as a redial. I do not agree that the concentric circles in the subdial aren't crisp and the dial spotting (or patina, if you like...) would make it - at the very least - a quite old redial if that.
Can anyone really disagree that better, closer and more detailed photos are needed? If not the debate here is academic, you know, as in theoretical, conceptual, notional, philosophical, hypothetical, speculative, conjectural.
Detailed photo of sub-dial added upon a polite request to the seller. Looks crisp to me, but I think the hands would still bother me as possible replacements. What say you based on the new picture @ulackfocus?
I believe this debate speaks highly of the OF members. They are willing to put their knowledge out there for everyone to critique. This is very uncommon as with most forums once someone makes his opinion known one way or the other many hesitate to go against it. Kudos to all who have made their opinion know, it helps the not so informed, myself in this case, to learn.