My Grandfather passed away in 1968 and I have just been given his watch, which has been sitting in a cupboard unused and in my opinion unappreciated all this time.
I got a local jeweler to remove the back for me yesterday and he informed me that it was 18K gold and that he thought it was probably made in the 1970s. He obviously has the date wrong as my Grandfather had already died.
The number engraved on one of the lugs I believe reads 124488 and he told me this meant nothing. I have attached photos and would appreciate any and all information that you may be able to supply me with.

 

The movement dates to around 1946. It looks like a caliber 23.0. The dial has been refinished. The crown is a later replacement.

Obviously it will have sentimental value, but the market value is limited, due largely to the lack of dial originality.

 

I agree with @Tony C. about the dial, crown, and market value. However, I believe that this is a 12''' movement so possibly caliber 27M or 27.0. Additionally, 18K screw-back Longines from the 1940s are quite uncommon. The faint number on the back of one of the lugs is almost certainly not from the factory.

 

Yes, I have a Longines with a slightly higher serial number (6.98M) with an extract dating it to December 1945. The hammerhead with 140 inside indicates the casemaker B. & C. Dubois.

 

Thank you

 

Thank you

 

Do you think I should try and source a replacement crown from the mid 1940s and any idea how the dial might have been refinished?

 

Given the condition of the dial, I don't really see much upside in messing around with the crown. Just enjoy it as an heirloom as your grandfather left it. I'm not sure what you are asking about the dial specifically, but in that era, it was very common for dials to be repainted when they became worn or damaged by intrusion of smoke, water, etc.

 

I intend to wear it as I think it is a nice looking watch. I appreciate your help and advice. I just wondered what the dial would have looked like originally. Also, whilst I was clearing out my aunt's flat last year, I came across the watch shown in the attached photo. It was in a carrier bag full of junk.

 

Welcome Laurence, although collectors seek watches with all original parts, I find yours quite beautiful due to its very nice screw-back case.
Here is another Longines with a gold screw-back case.
The dial and crown might give you an idea of what it may have looked like originally.
It would be absolutely impossible to source a correct crown, perhaps if you wanted you might chase over time an original dial but it would be costly as you would have to buy a « donor » watch with the exact same movement in order to take the dial.
It’s much more trouble than is probably worth, as the watch holds sentimental value first and foremost, and it looks good as it is.
Also below is a completely different watch, but also a gold Longines watch, which has a salmon dial in the same color as the one which may have been on your grand father’s watch.
The watch belongs to one of our members @hotsauz, I’m posting it so you can see the color combo but the chubby numerals on his watch are a very specific style which matches the shape of the case, your grand father’s watch probably had a completely different design.

You should have the watch serviced by a professional watchmaker, don’t just take it to any jeweler- if you indicate where you are people might be able to provide referrals.

 

Thank you so much for the information, advice, and photographs. I have done a bit of research on where to get it serviced, as I also now have an Omega Seamaster De Ville that definitely requires a service. I was thinking of using Antique & Modern as shown in the link below:
https://www.clock-watches.co.uk/

 

Looks like a plausible repair place. In the absence of a first-hand referral, I would personally give them one of the watches first to see how it goes, and then give them the second if you are happy.

 

I just came across this dial. Do you think that may be more like it was originally?

 

Yes and no. It looks much more original than yours, but is fundamentally different, as the indexes and winged Longines logo are "applied", meaning that they are made of metal, and attached to the dial. Your dial was printed, and originally included luminous material, which was not used on the latter watch.

 

I think it's a beautiful watch - good on you for tending to it.

 

As a matter of interest. Does anyone have any guide as to how much I should insure it for? I'm only looking for a guide as I don't believe it is over the amount where I am required to give the insurance company an official valuation. Thank you all in advance.

 

Thanks

 

The value is mainly in the gold, so have it weighed.

 

The 124488 could have been inscribed by a watchmaker when the watch was serviced. Some people did that. Looks like another service record was etched inside the caseback below the 140 and also at the nine o'clock position.

Your grandfather seemed to love this watch and took care of it. You're fortunate to have this part of his life passed onto you. Something that was intimate to him and treasured.

May it always bring you fond memories.