...unfortunately I noticed a bit late that the thread "Longines Vintage Automatics" is already closed. Therefore, as a new topic, three dials from the 50s: Two times black for cal. 19A and one time silver for cal. 19AS. Rgds - HU
Thanks for posting these. On the first dial, it is neat to see how the step on the front is evident on the back too. I suppose that the dial was pressed or struck into this form. On the second dial, both the glossy surface and reflective/metallic printing are striking. Also, I wonder if the black galvanic coating was applied first, and then scratched off in order to solder the hour markers and emblem. On the third dial, I wonder if the golden sections, in between the hour markers, are embossed rather than applied. Also, I am intrigued that the reverse is not black. Maybe the black on the front was not applied using a galvanic process.
I realize that I have a set of dials at home in Melbourne. I purchased it from a dealer there many years ago. They have sat in a box for almost two decades I believe. As far I recall they are original. I think I might look to see whether it might be useful for someone.
...I bought these dials around 2005 from a dealer in Canada - via Ebay. At that time it was still easier to import something like this to Germany. Today, I would have to stand around in the customs office for a few hours and hope that the estimated value of the package is not too high. I sometimes look at them and think that it would be fine if even today so much effort and craftsmanship were applied to the production of dials. Besides, I didn't know then in 2005 that there were only few watches with cal. 19A in Germany. And if they were, mostly in gold-plated cases, which I don't like. The fourth dial of this package now lives here: A cal. 19AS with 34mm case that is lying around at the watchmaker for 13 years, because it´s "dry". He moved twice during those years...