Hi there, I have a 1947 5581 Two tone Longines, with a 27m movement, and am after some recommendations for people who can service this movement, and have spare parts etc. Happy to send worldwide.

Have made the mistake of sending to Longines, and they want 3k for the service, which no doubt includes polishing and a dial refurbish. Communication with them has been negligible, asking me to tick generic yes/no boxes on automatic forms without communication with a watchmaker who can tell me what's needed or what they want to do. A very trying experience.

Looking for someone who specialises in vintage Longines.

 

Where are you located?

 

Located in Australia, but the watch is in Switzerland at the moment!

 

A good adress also in Europe is Frank in the Netherlands. He had serviced some of my Longines and has lots of parts and is
very recommended. Read here:
https://www.tijdloos-leiden.nl/en_GB/c-4852331/watch-repair/

 

Thank you this is a great recommend, I will get in touch. Thanks.

 

Always nice to have an honest, Frank recommendation...

 

You know him...?

 

No I don't, it was a lame attempt at a pun...

 

Is your watch experiencing time keeping problems, do you know for a fac that some parts will need replacement ? Or did you just want a service as a matter of principle?


For a watch like this one, there’s no need to go to someone who specializes in «vintage Longines ». I’ve never even heard of such a person except perhaps I would think some watchmakers in Italy.

The 27M is a workhorse movement with plenty of donors floating around, your watch looks to be in good condition, a good independent watchmaker should be able to sort it out.

as for Longines’ service,
Longines has set up a workshop of 10 vintage watchmakers as part of their historical department to service and restore watches while retaining their originality. I never sent them a watch for service but I know a number of people who have and they provide very individualized service. Also I’ve met and interacted with the watchmakers on several occasions.
They’d never restore a dial unless requested and they would never polish a case against a client’s stated intent. They are in regular contact with collectors and know exactly what’s needed. However that service comes at a price.

 

Nice looking example you have there!

 

Thanks, yes it only runs for an hour or two now when wound. Probably needs a new main spring. I might take it somewhere local then. Certainly donor movements are readily a available.

Re: servicing at Longines, that hasn't been my experience unfortunately. I haven't been able to talk directly with a watchmaker, despite sending emails. I know the watch was sent to Switzerland from Longines Australia, but I've only received some generic forms to fill out with yes or no check boxes, no direct comminication. Because of this lack of communicaton I asked for the watch to be returned.

 

Well, it may be they need a commitment before they can spend the time to explain everything. I’m sure they get tons of queries and they’re not such a huge staff.

 

Possibly, but I think the issue is the documentation is coming from Longines Australia, who've sent the watch to Switzerland. I've had no way to talk directly to a watchmaker, only automated forms on their website. They didn't even identify the movement correctly, just listed as "old". In the end not prepared to pay 3k without being able to talk to someone about it.