This has popped up at a local fair and the seller can't get the caseback off for the time being. About 34mm, one of the lugs has been soldered and the crown is signed, which seems odd given it should be a mid 40s watch. Dial seems original and font. Anything seem fishy?

 

Lovely dial, nice case, crown obviously a later replacement.
When you say 34mm do you mean with or without crown? Big difference obviously.
I would say the main issue is the wrong minute hand and the sodered lug which alters value significantly and means it's a purchase for enjoyment but not considered "investment grade".
In the end it's all a matter of price.

 

I'm presuming you mean soldered strap bar. Fairly easy and inexpensive to reverse to factory specification, it shouldn't have a negative impact on the value.

 

When did Longines start to use signed crowns? Mid 1950s?

 

In this instance it could be true, now that I’m looking at the lugs they do seem to have enough material and thickness to allow for that. I have a watch with an almost torn lug hole and the same repair cannot be done as the lug was very thin to begin with and is too worn and polished.

I would think it’s still about 50 to 100 euros in your budget to do that kind of lug repair. The watch is worth it if you can find a proper hand. Otherwise you might just keep it the way it is and enjoy

 

Thanks for the responses everyone! The watch is definitely tempting, I will see if it is still available.