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Identifying a unicase longines from late 60s

  1. eskimoquinn Nov 17, 2022

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    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. 1000000075.jpg 1000000074.jpg
     
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  2. eskimoquinn Nov 17, 2022

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    Any thoughts on straps or bracelets? I just threw that bracelet on because I had it laying around.
     
  3. Spruce Sunburst dial fan Nov 18, 2022

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    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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  4. eskimoquinn Nov 18, 2022

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    Yes it does have that quick date feature. ANNND it does not work very well. Probably needs a service.
     
  5. DirtyDozen12 Thanks, mystery donor! Nov 18, 2022

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  6. eskimoquinn Dec 6, 2022

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    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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  7. rendo Dec 6, 2022

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

    4BC0196D-FFF7-4944-9D98-A053AC96B524.jpeg 7383F8AE-9D0B-4806-B006-D048AF8C4ED3.jpeg CDE63AFD-B829-4CAE-874C-CA3532728A67.jpeg

    And here is the photo from the seller:
    s-l1600[1].jpg
     
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  8. eskimoquinn Dec 6, 2022

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  9. janice&fred Dec 6, 2022

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    That sounds like a very dangerous plan.
     
  10. rendo Dec 6, 2022

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    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.
     
  11. eskimoquinn Dec 6, 2022

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    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.