Longines 12.68z continuous flyback chronograph 1937

Dear friends and fellow collectors,

Today I’m happy to share my recent find and I’m hoping to gather more information about it.

I purchased this watch from a French vintage dealer, who acquired it from an Italian gentleman who had inherited it from his grandfather. Based on the serial number, the watch was produced in 1937 and features the Longines caliber 12.68Z with a continuous flyback chronograph.

I bought it with the understanding that the case is likely a recase. However, I discovered what appears to be a reference number (L4808044), along with a hallmark inside the case back (see pictures below). There’s also another number starting with “L”, though it’s difficult to read. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to identify either of them online, so any help would be greatly appreciated!

I’ve also read that some watches from this era were sent to jewelers for casing prior to delivery, so I still have some hope that the case could be original.

If it turns out not to be true, I’d like to find out what type of case this movement was originally delivered in. I suspect it may have been one with a rotating bezel and a pointer hand. Supporting this theory is the fact that I found a watch with the exact same dial - in worse condition - featured in a book Longines watches from John Goldberger on pages 266–267 (see screenshot below)

Thank you all for your comments and feedback.

Best regards,

Michael

That is the lowest serial number I've seen on a 12.68z stop ( I had one in stainless steel 17 numbers higher dating to 7/7/38).
There's a handful of entries here on the Longines stop second.
Yours is lovely, though I agree most likely recased.

STUNNING 😲😲😲

Thanks a lot for your entry into the thread. I have spoken with more friends, and we agreed that the case is a recase. My question still is whether the case design is original or should look different. Any opinion on that? Thank you!

What vintage watch DON'T you have a database of, may I ask...??