Dear Forum,

I came across this watch on sale. It has a mid 60s cal. 30 in a gold case, with a dial that looks like a ref 8888 in gold. But the caseback, strangely, lacks any markings except for perlage and the 18k caratage mark. Is this just a nice-looking franken, or is there something more interesting going on?

(sorry about the photo quality)

 

Looks like a typical South American style case, done to avoid import tariffs on gold cased watches.

 

Thanks. That...suddenly makes a whole lot more sense of the watch. Are there any old forum posts or articles where I could read up about this? (Spanish is ok).

 

Agreed with X350 XJR

 

Thanks!

 

So, I gather that I should look at this as, more or less, equivalent to a Dennison or Wittnauer cased Omega of the same period?

 

oop 'Wittnauer cased Longines', I should have written.

 

Yup, nothing wrong with this type of package as long as you don't mind the non-factory nature of the case.

My favorite Omega is a Dennison cased piece, so no reference numbers or Omega markings on the case.... Doesn't bother me one bit.

 

Except perhaps Wittnauer was known to be Longines' agent, as it is known Omega watches in the UK were cased in Dennison - Longines could also be cased in Wadsworth in the US if I'm not mistaken-- so those markings to me would signal the case was original to the watch.
With non marked cases (which are frequently found also in Italy), I would worry more as to whether they were fitted together at the outset.
Am I wrong?
In any event it impacts value, for sure.

 

I'm familiar with the South American cases and their use, but I've not heard much said about unmarked cases of European origin. Seems that Ebay does feature the occasional watch in such a case, usually with an Italian or Eastern European seller.

 

Thanks all. I suppose that archival information from Longines might clarify where the movement was cased. But meanwhile the seller is strangely reluctant to provide better photos of the caseback, which does not fill me with confidence.

 

That would be a red flag for me. Although perhaps he thinks he already has posted good enough ones and fears you're just wasting his time?Others correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think those watches are so rare? With a bit of patience you might find another you like in a few weeks.
One critical question is if the price is right.

 

I don't know. He was very happy to show me other parts of the watch (and even made a video). Just reluctant to show the part I'd specifically asked to see!

I'd be perfectly happy with a non factory-cased watch, so long as it isn't a franken and is priced fairly. We'll see. In the meantime, I am glad to be picking up more information.

 

As is often said: "Buy the seller".

If he was happy to provide pictures and videos for every part besides the caseback, I guess there might be a good reason for that.

I'd pass just because of that...

 

I passed on this watch, for various reasons, but eventually Longines brand heritage did get back to me to confirm that it was invoiced to Ostersetzer, their Italian agent in Milan, in August 1963. So that tends to back up Syrte's suggestion of an Italian origin for the case.