Longines Water Ski Chronograph: Restoration Advice

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I’ve just bought this 1968 Longines Water Ski Chronograph which is missing the inner bezel and the crystal and case are in pretty rough condition. It’s a watch I’ve wanted for some time and I would love to get it back in good shape. Would you send it to Longines or is there a better way to source the replacement parts and get the case tidied up and movement overhauled?

 
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That’s a fantastic watch, and if it’s a model you’ve wanted for a while, I’d definitely restore it rather than let the missing parts put you off.
 
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That’s a fantastic watch, and if it’s a model you’ve wanted for a while, I’d definitely restore it rather than let the missing parts put you off.
Indeed … if a grail with difficult to source parts the only place to send it is Longines. It’s gonna cost you though.
 
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Indeed … if a grail with difficult to source parts the only place to send it is Longines. It’s gonna cost you though.
I agree. You should email the Heritage Department to see if they even have the part anymore. After all, the watch is 58 years old.

The only other alternative is to buy another watch like that and sell that one for parts.

Really are no good alternatives here.
gatorcpa
 
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Thanks, it’s one I have had my eye on for a while and I’m quite persistent at hunting for parts for my projects! Annoyingly I found the part on a website and got excited, then realised it was already sold and they just hadn’t taken the page down! Sooner or later it will show up I guess!
 
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I’d probably avoid sending it straight to Longines before checking with a specialist who knows these vintage chronographs. The inner bezel may be the hardest part to source, and you’ll want someone who can confirm the correct original specification rather than fitting a generic replacement. For the case, light refinishing is worth considering, but I’d be very careful about over-polishing the edges. A good vintage Longines specialist should be able to source period-correct parts and overhaul the movement properly.
I was thinking a light refinishing would be nice too! Keeping the edges sharp and keeping the brushing tasteful and correct is the challenge. I would worry about Longines sticking a generic replacement part in - better to have an original with matching patina
 
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I was thinking a light refinishing would be nice too! Keeping the edges sharp and keeping the brushing tasteful and correct is the challenge. I would worry about Longines sticking a generic replacement part in - better to have an original with matching patina
They will do what you ask them to do. I’d discuss your concerns with them.