Picked this up a few weeks ago on a gamble. Runs great and in good condition, but it's on the small side. The movement is stamped 10L but most of those mvmt were 17j. This one is marked 15. A little stumped I suppose any help would be greatly appreciated.
Nice watch, with an original dial that's in good condition. The serial number dates it to circa 1941. Though most 10L movements seem to have 17 jewels, others can be found with 15. Here is one on eBay now: https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-LO...h=item1cc63cb84f:g:46oAAOSwfttbV8qL:rk:1:pf:0Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network Variation is common in Longines movements from this period.
Is there a US import code on the movement? That might explain the lower jewel count. Ranfft says both variations are legit. http://www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?10&ranfft&&2uswk&Longines_10L
"10L" was stamped on USA-bound caliber 10.68Z movements. Here is one with 17 jewels from the same period: https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-Longines-10k-GF-Mens-Ladder-Frame-Dress-Watch-ORIGINAL-Salmon-Dial-10L-/123607849020?hash=item1cc79a183c:g:b6kAAOSw-sVcR6WQ&nma=true&si=IdDycn08ZDUqmmeCHLD8WqBOsk8%3D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557Purchases made through these links may earn this site a commission from the eBay Partner Network
I understand. But whether this movement is marked "LXW" on the balance cock or not, the fact that it is marked 10L suggests that it was originally sold in the USA. Given that both 15 and 17 jewel, 10L movements can be found with close serial numbers (and "LXW" import marks), I do not think that the jewel count can be explained by the presence of a US import code.
Thank you gents. I suppose next step is see if the wife wants it. If not off to the block . It's unfortunately a little small for my taste . If anyone is interested. Let me know. Thanks again