Identifying a unicase longines from late 60s

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eskimoquinn

·Nov 17, 2022

I wonder if folks have any info about this longines admiral. I bought it because I really loved the c style case and the condition looked great. I normally know more about the watch before making a purchase, but I dove in head first on this one. I plan contacting longines, but I bet some folks on here know as much. It's a unibody type case, so I haven't inspected the movement, that is I don't even know what movement it has. I'd like to know the case reference number and we'll anything anyone knows about it. I spent 300usd on it and regardless if that's a good market price, I feel it's worth it just based on the enjoyment I've gotten wearing it so far.

 

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eskimoquinn

·Nov 17, 2022

Any thoughts on straps or bracelets? I just threw that bracelet on because I had it laying around.

 

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Spruce

·Nov 18, 2022·Sunburst dial fan

I have three of these and agree that they’re lovely watches and extremely comfortable on the wrist.
The movement is probably either a 431 or it’s derivative, a 6651.
Parts can be a problem.
It may have an unusual quickset date change - which involves just pressing the crown to advance the date.
$300 is a good price.

 

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eskimoquinn

·Nov 18, 2022

Yes it does have that quick date feature. ANNND it does not work very well. Probably needs a service.

 

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DirtyDozen12

·Nov 18, 2022

Longines from this period are not in my wheel house but I would have guesses that it used a different caliber. Here is an example that seems to be the same? The reference number is 8642 and the caliber is (apparently) 506.

https://www.blackbough.co.uk/produc...4-steel-vintage-wristwatch-circa-1970-wxlasb/

 

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eskimoquinn

·Dec 6, 2022

From longines:
Originally, the serial number identifies a wristwatch in satinless steel bearing the reference 8342, part of the Admiral collection. It is fitted with a mechanical self-winding movement, caliber 505. It was invoiced in April 1972 to the company Hausamman, which was at that time our agent for Norway.

 

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rendo

·Dec 6, 2022·faux legend

I bought a very similar one the other day that needs some work, and here is what it looks like inside:

And here is the photo from the seller:

 

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eskimoquinn

·Dec 6, 2022

rendo

I bought a very similar one the other day that needs some work, and here is what it looks like inside:

And here is the photo from the seller:

Thanks for that! I have no idea how to get to movement with that case. I was thinking about seeing if I could spot anything wrong with the quickset date.

 

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janice&fred

·Dec 6, 2022

eskimoquinn

Thanks for that! I have no idea how to get to movement with that case. I was thinking about seeing if I could spot anything wrong with the quickset date.

That sounds like a very dangerous plan.

 

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rendo

·Dec 6, 2022·faux legend

eskimoquinn

Thanks for that! I have no idea how to get to movement with that case. I was thinking about seeing if I could spot anything wrong with the quickset date.

I wouldn't open it unless you really have to. You would need to remove the split stem by pulling it out with the right tool, and then remove the crystal with a crystal lift tool like the Bergeon 4266. There is a risk of damaging the crystal if you don't know what you are doing.

 

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eskimoquinn

·Dec 6, 2022

Oh understood. Thanks for the advice. I'll probably just send it to my watchmaker but I've kinda been looking for an excuse to get more tools and get into learning repair.