Hello,
I am a new member here (actually, I have been a member for a while but this is my first post). I mostly collect modern and vintage Longines and have a sweet spot for pre-Moon speedmasters and tool watches in general. Given that Omega Forum is one of the most knowledgeable forum when it comes to vintage Longines, I have decided to post a question here.

I have recently acquired a Longines Waterproof tank wristwatch that was sold in 1943 to the retailer Cuervo Y Sobrinos (Cuba). I sent a message to the heritage department of Longines. As usual, they were extremely helpful and confirmed that (1) the watch was waterproof (their registry says "etanche"), (2) it is equipped with a caliber 23M, and (3) it was sold to Cuervo Y Sobrinos. It is a distant cousin of the Omega marine tank and the JLC Reverso.

I have seen similar watches from Longines but they are rectangular, not square (page 56 of the book by Goldberger). They also seem to use a slightly different closure system. Has anyone ever seen a similar watch and if yes, do you have any piece of information as to what parts are missing?

I love this style of watches. This is the 1940s version of a tool watch. Any info would be appreciated.

If you do not have any info, feel free to post pictures of other waterproof tanks.
Nick

 

Hello Nick,

Firstly, great watch!

I have seen a few Longines with the same case style as yours but I have not been able to find images so far. Rectangular waterproof Longines of this era seem to be more prevalent (at least on the web) however I believe that the principle is identical. If this is the case, then four pieces are missing from your watch.

The first two pieces are the curved metallic bars that are pressed between the lugs. Each end fits into the grooves on the inside of the lugs. These bars are not meant to be totally rigid as they will be slightly compressed. The second two pieces are the folded metallic clamps that latch onto the protruding ends of the caseback and the curved bars.

Here are some images for reference.


http://www.watchnet.co.jp/p-eyes/products/detail.php?product_id=3690

 

Thanks a lot DirtyDozen12 and Bill. This is the info that I was looking for. There are two notches in the lugs where the wire would be positioned; that makes perfect sense. As you mention, all the cases that I have seen were rectangular.

 

@dodo44

Well Nick, I think that you may have been correct with your initial assertion that the square model does not employ an identical closure system. I cannot confirm that this example is fully intact but everything seems to fit into place quite nicely. This might simplify your task slightly.

 

Thanks DirtyDozen12.

 

Though the second digit of the case number was undoubtedly a 7, I could not make out the first digit and simply assumed that it was not a 4. Time for me to hit the sack. Good luck!