Longines 4914-26 restoration project

Banton900e · May 8, 2024

Dear all,

I just bought this Longines 4914-26 as a "project watch" (i.e., the watch is not in great shape and a lot of work is needed to bring it back to its prime), mostly because it is such a cool reference from a size and looks perspective!

As I am not a great vintage Longines expert, I would love your guidance regarding the following points:
- Am I correct to assume the crown is not original? Is there a way to identify the correct crown reference for this case?
- The bezel seems a bit dented, any recommendation as how to identify / source a correct replacement part?
- The dial is super interesting (to me) with this silvery tone and gold indexes, I am just wondering if it is a normal dial variation or someone removing the paint at some point in the watch's life. Is there any way to ascertain the correct dial variations for this reference?
- Finally if you have good adresses for watchmakers with experience in vintage Longines in the Boston area, feel free to share them with me 😀

Thanks a lot for your help!

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DaveK · May 8, 2024

Welcome to the forum. I believe what you purchased is someone else’s project watch. As the saying goes “friends don’t let friends embark on project watches”, so let’s consider that dial, which is a very nice looking configuration but the silvery finish is a result of someone cleaning off all the original paint. And why would they do that? Because it was damaged by water, humidity or beer. You can bet that there is a lot more damage inside too. You’ll be 10 years and 8x the value of the watch by the time you source replacement parts and get a watchmaker to make it right again. I’d sell it as is on eBay, or put it in my box of bad ideas and look at it before I look at eBay ever again.

X350 XJR · May 8, 2024

DaveK
source replacement parts

If you can even find them, bezel, good luck with that, correct dial, good luck with that...As already noted by Dave, this was someone else's junk and now it's yours, just shoot it and cut your losses.

Syrte · May 9, 2024

Servicing a watch in the US cost several hundred dollars as far as I’m aware- this watch is probably worth at most 150 USD - ie the value of its parts if the movement were in good shape which is very uncertain as already stated.

Furthermore and before you embark on a project, you should be aware that enthusiastic collectors and watchmakers have spent the past 20 years collecting all of the available parts that were left over from the past century.
Vintage parts from certain eras are easier to find— but my hunch is that you won’t find a replacement bezel for this.

bardamu · May 9, 2024

DaveK
I’d sell it as is on eBay

This.

LesXL · May 9, 2024

I can't add more than what have been written already... As others said... On to the next one, and maybe a little weekend read here would help too

DaveK
... And why would they do that? Because it was damaged by water, humidity or beer. You can bet that there is a lot more damage inside too...

I'd like to believe it's beer 😀

yonlo · May 9, 2024

Syrte
Servicing a watch in the US cost several hundred dollars as far as I’m aware- this watch is probably worth at most 150 USD - ie the value of its parts if the movement were in good shape which is very uncertain as already stated.

Furthermore and before you embark on a project, you should be aware that enthusiastic collectors and watchmakers have spent the past 20 years collecting all of the available parts that were left over from the past century.
Vintage parts from certain eras are easier to find— but my hunch is that you won’t find a replacement bezel for this.

I’m not sure about “all” word here. You can always find more parts/watch donor available as we all know- it can be left in someone drawer and appear wherever. But as you said it might just not worth it or take a lot of time, but always possible to find

Banton900e · May 9, 2024

Hello all and thanks for all the input!

Good thing I bought it for a bit less than 150 USD haha
I obviously agree with all of you, it would need a major overhaul - which I am fine with as these "projects" are somewhat sidequests vs. my usual approach to vintage watch collecting. I don't do it for the intrisical value of these project watches but more for the "fun" sourcing / investigating / waiting game that it entails!

FYI I am adding pictures of the movement for your consideration - it doesn't look THAT bad 😁 (obviously a bit worried about the rust stains on the wheels):

I'll try to connect with a reputable watchmaker in my area and let you know if I get a quote 😉

Longines 4914-26 restoration project

Banton900e

DaveK

X350 XJR

Syrte

bardamu

LesXL

yonlo

Banton900e

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