Hello everyone, first I must say that this forum has been very informative for a newbie such as my self. I have recently acquired a Longines Flagship (manual wind) in pretty rough condition, mostly a lot of scratches on the glass which I have tried to take care of with sand paper and autosol. I am really enjoying this watch and would like to more about it (and how to take care of it). I understand that to really identify when it was sold/made etc I would have to open up the back and see the serial number of the movement? How would I go about this in the best manner possible? All i know about this watch is that it was bought sometimes in the fifties or sixties (probably in sweden) and that there is a 104(or 109) under the ingraved ship on the back of the watch. Any help would be appreciated!
Welcome! It's a late 50's or 60's model (reference number 104, made between 1957 and 1968) with a caliber 30LS inside. If you don't have the correct tool, let a watchmaker open it up and take pictures before you have it serviced. Don't wind it and use it as the oils have most likely dried up. You'll ruin the internals unless it's been cleaned and lubricated. Nice watch! Is it an heirloom? What do you plan on doing with it?
Correct and original aside from the replacement crown. You need to either bring the watch to a watchmaker, or acquire a case back opening tool to unscrew the case back. The movement and case numbers will allow dating of the watch. It is likely to have been produced in late '50s or early '60s. These are very good watches, and the 30L movement inside is excellent. Cheers, Tony C.
Thank you so much for the information! I will definitely take it to a good watchmaker to fix it up! As for what I intend to do with it, the plan is to wear it!
30LS = center second 30L = sub second Nice piece BTW, that the ship is so crisp at the back is not so common. Usually they are worn down
Resist the urge to make the case back "shiny" or risk losing the factory engraving which would make this watch less desirable to collectors.