I has been finding an elegant Longines vintage dress watch to wear as my daily watch for a while and was offered to buy this automatic gold Longines at USD 500. However, the seller got this watch from her husband who passed away few years ago and has no idea about any information of the watches, e.g. year of production, calibre, model reference, service history. Your expertise and comments are needed here! Many thanks in advance!

 

Without seeing the inside, additional information will be pretty speculative. But it looks like a nice watch, and if the case is truly gold (not gold-plated/filled), you have zero risk at that price, so you should just grab it. Sometimes if you delay and ask too many questions, you lose your chance.

 

Thanks for the advice and the seller said it is gold-filled.

 

Unless it is an artifact of the photo, the case appears to be badly damaged, which, in turn, would render the value of the watch far below $500.

 

That second photo appears to show a major damage issue by the 2 o'clock lug.
Get that issue straight or it is scrap value (-handling) which for gf would be movement and dial parts.

 

It hurts to see such a beauty damaged so...

 

It turns out the owner’s office is just right next to mine. I will be meeting her today and see if I can take some clearer shots of it.

 

Hey guys, I am just back from meeting the seller and got the following photos. Case and lugs and dial all intact. Welcome your further expert comments!

 

Very nice based on the serial it dates to 1950. The signed crown is also a plus. Here is what ranfft has on the movement.

 

Super useful website! Bookmarked! Do you think USD 500 will be a bit steep? I haven’t got the watch yet and the seller will hold for me today.

 

It runs 90s fast per day btw per a watchmaker near my office using timegrapher.

 

The price is fair imo but others may disagree. I find that it is an honest watch that shows honest age. Note there are also service marks on the inside of the case back so it was taken care of during its 71 year life. A service is also necessary as you mentioned so keep that in mind when you make your decision

 

Per the serial number on the movement, it should be dated 1950 but it seems there is not so much information re the watch online. Any other comments on the authenticity and condition of the watch? Thanks.

 

Dial looks original, and good to see that the case is not damaged. However...

I would say that the crown is an incorrect, later replacement. Also, gold-filled is not a style of case that appeals to most collectors. So, if you were to have any concerns about eventually recovering your cost(s) on re-sale, those factors, in addition to the style of the case, would all likely work against you.

If you like the watch and intend to wear it for years to come, then the above issues would, of course, be rendered less meaningful, if not irrelevant.

 

Very nice! 22A if I'm not wrong is the first Longines' automatic movement.
Often these have a reprinted dial, this hasn't.
Nice catch, at that price I would have bought it too

 

Thanks for the useful information and advice which will be very beneficial to my collecting journey! May I ask what is the correct style of crown for that watch?I will use it as my daily dress watch at work and think I will pull the trigger.

 

Yes it is the first automatic movement made by Longines! I think the condition is very good too. I will try to haggle a bit but will probably buy it anyway

 

If you buy it, Longines is renowned for customer service and I believe they will provide you information if requested.
Perhaps someone will join us with the details as my memory has faded like old jeans. (lawn jeans)

 

It will be my first Longines if I buy it. Do you mean that I can just drop them an email to ask for information of the crown like parts number, etc?I have not tried that with any brands before.

 

Through their website, not by email. https://www.longines.com/en-us/certificate-of-authenticity

The watch looks fine for what it is and if you like it, there's no reason not to buy it at the right price. Just be aware that the 10k gold-filled US-made case is a bit less desirable to collectors, which affects the value.