Longines "Ellipse" -- Does It Exist?

Mr.Cairo · Jul 14, 2019

Lately I've been quite taken by the Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse:

Unfortunately, Patek (vintage or otherwise) is a little too dear for my wallet at the moment. So I thought to myself, surely Longines must have produced similar watches in the 70s or thereabouts? I like Longines a lot, really more than Patek anyway.

So I look everywhere, but come up a bit dry. Well, I found this:

Yeah... OK so now we know my title question is answered -- it does exist (I guess?). I suppose I was hoping for a dial with some sort of indices, though.

I've found similar styles from what seems to be random brands from the 70s, but all chromed base metal cases, like this:

And I know Longines currently makes the Symphonette, but only in ladies styles and sizes.

So my question here is, does anyone know of a Longines reference that comes close to this? I particularly like the lugless appearance and the elliptical / oval / rectangular shapes, it doesn't have to be 1:1 the Patek. Dial can be any color, with stick indices, roman, etc but indices are a must, no empty dials.

If no Longines, any other brands that made such styles, in stainless steel cases (or gold)?

Tony C. · Jul 14, 2019

Here's an interesting vintage GP variation:

https://www.austinkaye.co.uk/vintage-girard-perregaux-oval-steel-manual-watch

Audemars made some nice variations as well, and while not cheap, they would be less expensive than PP:

https://shop.hodinkee.com/products/1970s-audemars-piguet-18k-white-gold?variant=12117102592075

JLC are also worth considering:

https://www.adamvintage.com/store/p295/jlc-automatic-ultrathin.html

Mr.Cairo · Jul 14, 2019

Cheers, the GP definitely comes close. I really like the others as well, and I can find a bit more options with lugs like that as well. It's the lugless that's tough to find.

Syrte · Jul 16, 2019

Doesn't rise to the level in terms of elegance, but similar inspiration?
This example unfortunately falls short dramatically --and is obviously a redial.

The Audemars Piguet above really looks the part.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mens-Vin...388597?hash=item215f18e835:g:xV4AAOSwoalc2Bkz

Mr.Cairo · Jul 17, 2019

Yes, the AP is really lovely, even with the lugs, and perhaps something to set a long term goal for. I also rather like the Cartier-esque JLC -- ah, too many nice watches in this world!