To find interesting Longines watches without spending a small fortune becomes harder over the last years, even in these hard times we are facing today. This in mind I´m very satisfied to show you my latest find, a rare and beautiful Longines Ref. 5820 with tear drop lugs. Dial and hands are looking original, not sure if there is missing an applied Longines logo under the writing as it looks a bit "off center". The applied numerals and markers are very nice in combination with the outer railroad track. The case is in rose gold but the case back is in stainless steel, which is quite uncommon. Caseback only says Fond acier, so not sure if the rest of the case is gold filled or plated... Those lugs are just amazing. The movement is an frosted golden Cal.12.68z Serial number supposed to be in 7.0XX.XXX range, so made around 1945 - 46 just after WW2. Due to the teardrop lugs and the rose gold colour the watch has an extraordinary appearance on the wrist.
Neat piece. No emblem missing on the dial and hour markers are embossed, not applied. I have seen other Longines references with the similar design (gold-tone case and steel back) and markings. The case is most likely rolled gold or gold plated rather than solid 14K or 18K. I wonder if there are any markings between the lugs?
The dial is lovely and the shape is also nice. Steel back that says “fond acier” means it should be gold plated. Rolled gold which is the same as “gold filled” is an American standard where the entirety of the case including the case back have a thick 10k plating - and the case back would be marked “gold filled”. Finally a solid gold case would normally have a solid gold case back with hallmarks indicating 9K, 14k or 18k.