I am inquiring about the originality of the dial on a Marine Nationale Longines. 1. I was under the impression that “Fab. Suisse” should be printed under “Longines”. 2. Should the outer track not numerically denote five minute increments? 3. The “Longines” font does not look correct to me. 4. The luminous 7 is hooked and the cutout in the luminous 4 is a quadrilateral. Based on the examples below, these two traits are exclusive. Other aspects of the watch that are of note are the overly polished case and atypical seconds hand (flat rather than pointed counterbalance). Succeeding the images of the watch in question is a number of examples that I believe to be original.
The seller thats selling this has sold redials before. I don't think they are that experienced in evaluating their own inventory. However, they do have some great deals on watches if you know what your looking for. That could be an old redial with period correct replacement hands. Moreover, I'm 100% sure that second hand is not original.
The signed font is different than on the other dials. Look very hard, for example at the "G" in "Longines". Pay attention to all the nuances in the letter and you will see they differ.
Believe me, I see the differences. I am only consulting others as I have been "assured" that the dial is original. The signature more closely resembles the one from my 1929 caliber 9.47N than one from 1947.
Agreed. I believe that it is significantly different from any original Longines out there, but apparently it is "confirmed" to be original.
Every example you have posted has a very different minute track from the one you are being told is original - maybe ask yourself why!
I have been convinced that it is a redial from the beginning. I am only looking for validation from other collectors.
Agreed on all counts, I would just add the hour and minute hand also look wrong as they should be thicker baton hands. The pointy hands in one of the other examples seem wrong. The photos with black and white pictures as backgrounds come from French forums and are classic examples.
I feel the same way about the hands, they are very atypical (ugly) for Longines. I have found various French forums quite useful whilst learning about these MN pieces. The world of French military issued watches is certainly fascinating.
The most beautiful ones IMHO are the Tudor snowflakes Marine Nationale of course... Especially when the lume has turned a soft orange, in constrast with the blue bezel and dial.
The MN Tudors are very cool looking but I am more of a Type 20 admirer myself. https://www.instagram.com/watchistry/ https://www.instagram.com/8ball_watch/
That's exactly what I mean. Good thing I could never wear such a watch, 'cause I couldn't afford one either.
how is it confirmed to be original? The seller of this watch has 0 collecting experience. I would take anything they say with a grain of salt.
My thoughts exactly. It is unfortunate that the seller is so obstinate as some seem to value his opinions.