A recent discussion has prompted me to provide a brief overview of the Longines reference 5967. This is one of the most prevalent 30CH references. Based on examples that I have seen, production spanned almost the entire late-1940's to late-1960's run of the 30CH.

I will start with an image from a 1957 Italian catalog (source: https://www.vintagelongines.com/#history). As you can see, the diameter is around 38 mm and the case is 18K gold. I have seen both yellow and rose gold. All cases that I have seen have hammerhead 170 (more information here: https://www.vintagewatchstraps.com/swisspdm.php#pdm1).



Next is an image of the price from the same, 1957 catalog.



Here is an example of an early 5967 (source: https://mimandcroket.com/project/longines-30-ch-chrono-rose-gold-two-tone-dial/). You can see the distinctive, faceted lugs that are characteristic of this reference. The dial has applied markers and an applied emblem. Also, note the red cap jewel on the balance cock. This is indicative of an early 30CH. Crown is correct and unsigned.



Now, a slightly later 5967 (source: https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auc...8/longines-reference-5967-yellow-gold-flyback). The dial has been crudely refinished. It is tough to tell, but the markers and emblem are not applied but embossed. Also, note the clear cap jewel on the balance cock. Crown is correct and unsigned.



Here is an example with an original dial to demonstrate the embossed markings and emblem (source: https://www.gros-delettrez.com/lot/91910/8847197). Note that some 30CH dials have embossed markers and an applied emblem.



Next is a later 5967 (source: https://mentawatches.com/product/longines-30ch-chronograph-6/). Again, the dial has applied markers and emblem. Note that the movement has lost its Geneva stripes. Crown is correct and signed.



Finally, a very late 5967 (source: https://omegaforums.net/threads/longines-30ch-530-numbering.93404/). Again, applied details on the dial. Movement is now marked 530. Crown is signed.



Hopefully, that was of some interest. I chose not to discuss the hands as my focus was more on the case and movement. If you have any questions, or a 5967, please feel free to ask and/or share.

 

For clarity:

1. When I said that the movement had, "lost its Geneva stripes," I meant that later 30CH movements no longer had Geneva stripes.

2. When I said that the, "movement is now marked 530," I meant that the name of the caliber changed from 30CH to 530 near the end of production.

 

P.S. For those interested, a nice overview of the 30CH can be found here: https://orologi.forumfree.it/?t=59209040

 

I thought this might be of interest, though I don’t know the original case reference. Diameter is around 33 mm. and serial starts with 7.65X.XXX...

 

Might have come in a 5966 case: https://omegaforums.net/threads/sold-vintage-longines-30ch-chronograph-–-37mm-and-18k-gold.57648/

Thanks for sharing.

 

Fascinating post,and thanks @DirtyDozen12 for the detailed write-up!

 

Thanks for the kind words. My pleasure!

 

Your expertise on Longines is incredible, many thanks for your most interesting posts!

 

+1, I especially appreciate that all of your pictures and research is sourced — that is the hallmark of rigourous research, contrary to so many people who just copy and re-hash other people’s write ups and steal pictures without credit.

 

You are most welcome!

 

Thank you.

Of course, I have drawn from the experience of many generous people. But I try to conduct my own research, if not to at least corroborate what is already known.

 

Each time I log in to OF, I feel like I'm strolling in to University...so much to learn! Thank you for pointing to yet another rabbit hole of knowledge I shall explore further!

Had you not called out the 'crudely refinished' 5967, I might have missed it, but by calling it out, it absolutely popped. These are the lessons of a newbie, but my eye is starting to see...finally!

 

Just like the catalog picture.5966, 5967

 

The one on the right is a ref. 5982 (differences from ref.5967: stainless steel case, thinner bezel and larger dial).

 

Not in every way. In the large "Goldberger"-book is a version of Ref. 5982 with a wider gold bezel and a steel case. The references of Longines are obscure and manifold. Because of the copyrights, I can't upload a photo of that watch unfortunately.

 

Yes, it’s a 5982. Also found the catalog listing 5966 and 5982.

 

If the watch you describe (unfortunately I don't have that book) is a "true ref.5982 steel and gold", also pushers, crown and, most importantly, the upper part of the lugs, must be in gold...Differently, if lugs are in steel, it means everybody could assembling parts (bezel, dial, pushers, and crown) of a 5967 into a 5982 and make a "Frankestein steel&gold 5982"...

 

A rabbit hole, indeed. Glad to show you the entrance!

 

As described in the book, based on the archive extract, it is an original case with steel pushers and gold crown, delivered 1954 to Ostersetzer/Milano.
So the bezel is gold, the middle part and back are steel, salmon dial, telemeter snail and blued sword hands. A true beauty but I don't dare to upload a photo of it. You find it on page 414.

 

Does the dial look similar to the one below (source: https://www.instagram.com/p/B83HGfYicm5/)? Can you share the serial number? I suppose that it begins with an "8". A spiral telemeter/tachymeter on a 30CH dial is quite unusual. Furthermore, the majority of sans-emblem 30CH dials are found in examples with serial numbers that begin with a "7" (the earliest examples).



To make things even more interesting, below is a 13ZN with a visually identical dial to the 30CH above (source: https://www.monacolegendauctions.com/auction/exclusive-timepieces-15/lot-116). The serial number is relatively early in the 13ZN production run (5'525'735) and the extract dates the watch to 1942. As you can see, the movement is quite dirty and the balance cock has been crudely modified. On the other hand, the dial is in mint condition. I do not know where these salmon dials come from but they seem to defy expectations in a number of ways.