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Longines 12.68Z ref 5411 (1946) with a stunning high glossy gilt dial, delivered to Sweden...

  1. Maskelyne Jan 16, 2021

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    Good evening dear fellow OF members (now it´s evening in Scandinavia). I just received this little beauty. Case is 33 mm and I have now studied the dial carefully. I have my doubts. Why I have doubts it´s because the dial is the best I have seen in this configuration, it´s a joy to look at it!

    The fonts seem a little fat and the dial is so clean and look almost brand new, although there is patina and it´s not shiny white markers. The lume on the numerals are very fragile, you can see some lume-dust on the dial.

    Sub second has some imperfections, but I have seen other pieces from this era with the same. In all, the dial is stunning - but is it genuine?
    I hope the high resolution picture of the dial shows all details. There are some reflections, as mentioned dial is glossy and flawless. The white spots are dust.

    My thoughts:
    Hands are correct but relumed
    Logo seems correct - but a little "fat"
    Numerals are relumed - possibly.

    What are your thoughts?

    Longines-cal-12.68Z-black-dial,-1946 dial.jpg
    Longines-cal-12.68Z-black-dial,-1946.jpg
     
    Edited Jan 16, 2021
  2. DirtyDozen12 Thanks, mystery donor! Jan 16, 2021

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    Warthog and Radiumpassion like this.
  3. Maskelyne Jan 16, 2021

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    Much appreciated @DirtyDozen12 ! That´s the same reference. I have ordered an extract of the archives. Here is the case back of my watch.

    Longines-cal-12.68Z-black-dial,-1946-case-back.jpg
     
    DirtyDozen12 likes this.
  4. Maskelyne Jan 16, 2021

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    And things did happen during the photo session :whistling: Some part of the minute hand lume fell off! When testing the lume the minute hand glows. It's definitely relumed. Here is a picture (quite poor) of the watch.
    My watchmaker will apply new lume with similar colour as the hour hand, I will also replace the crystal and use the watch.

    Longines-cal-12.68Z-black-dial,-1946-compl.jpg
     
  5. DirtyDozen12 Thanks, mystery donor! Jan 16, 2021

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    Thanks for these additional photos. I always love finding a watch in this condition. This one will turn out great!
     
    Maskelyne likes this.
  6. Tony C. Ωf Jury member Jan 16, 2021

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    I would strongly suggest re-luming both hands. Matching one hand to another is hellishly difficult, as it's not just color, but texture that needs to match well.
     
    Foo2rama likes this.
  7. Maskelyne Jan 16, 2021

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    I will follow your advice Tony and do it on both hands.
     
  8. Maskelyne Jan 28, 2021

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    I will soon post new pictures, the watch is now relumed and the crystal is replaced. In the mean time here is the provenance.

    Longines Extract from the archives.jpg
     
  9. BlueHands Jan 28, 2021

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    Here's my 5411 from Sweden

    Ref. 5411-2.JPG
     
  10. Radiumpassion Jan 28, 2021

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    Mine, both invoiced to Norway three months apart in 1951

    FB624701-ECE8-4067-9A3D-DC485580D3FA.jpeg
     
  11. DirtyDozen12 Thanks, mystery donor! Jan 28, 2021

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    My worn 5411-8, invoiced to Wirth in 1952.

    upload_2021-1-28_16-54-4.png
    upload_2021-1-28_16-54-23.png
     
  12. BlueHands Jan 29, 2021

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    A truly toolwatch you can wear to every occasion. Saved this because of the interest invoice 1949 to Nigeria:
    Ref. 5411, Order 23714, 16.7.1949 Nigeria.jpg
     
    valjoux72, Syrte and Mark020 like this.
  13. Maskelyne Jan 30, 2021

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    I really like to preserve watches like these for the next generation. I am convinced that they will be used as intended if they are in good condition and with an appealing look. Though they are quite small (33 mm) they are wearable and the movements are reliable and of very high quality.

    I think it´s stunning!

    Longinescal-12.68Z,-ref-5411-black-dial,-1946-i-handen.jpg
     
    KLXN, Zapatta, Warthog and 7 others like this.
  14. OllieOnTheRocks Feb 1, 2021

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    Fantastic watch! :)
    [​IMG]