As this watch is highly valuable, uncommon, and relatively complicated, it is strongly advisable to leave/sell it as is. The collector who purchases it will prefer it that way as he will surely have a trusted watchmaker perform any necessary maintenance. It is of little importance that the band is not original. What is highly important is that everything else appears to be original and in fantastic condition. In terms of value, a ref. 23086 sold earlier this year for CHF87,500 (https://www.phillips.com/detail/LONGINES/CH080016/9), with an incorrect hand. I think that your example is just as nice if not nicer.
I am really loving the feedback, DirtyDozen12 Thank you so much for this. Very helpful. Helps me to have idea of value. Have had such a huge range of offers over the past month and have been confused of what is realistic. It is great when you have people who know this watch to respond. Now think this is great place to list Omega's too!
I saw it on eBay and couldn't believe it. It is a truly special example of what many collectors feel is the ultimate Longines. It appears that even the crystal is original. Certainly worth 80-100k in my books. Unfortunately, I do not have the funds. Thank you for sharing these images.
So suggestions other than Ebay since they will not let me start any higher than 55K where I can list this watch?
Or Christie's for that matter. Any major international auction house that will take a cut but (presumably) offer buyer and seller the legal guarantees for a high value item. Just curious @collectorgnwild why hasn't that item sold for 55K while it's been on Ebay for a while? Were prospective buyers unwilling to accept your price or were you the one not wanting to settle for 55k? Or were there trust or logistics issues, verification, inspections, insurance, transportation?
why hasn't that item sold for 55K while it's been on Ebay for a while? WAS on Ebay for few days... Took off listing to do more research. Had really low offers while listed and made us question the information we had on watch before we listed. Since then verified we was thinking correctly. Were prospective buyers unwilling to accept your price or were you the one not wanting to settle for 55k? Had offer after took off and he was unable to come up with money for 70,000.... waited but can not wait any longer. Or were there trust or logistics issues, verification, inspections, insurance, transportation? I did question how anyone could spend that kind of money without seeing the watch. I would want to hold in my hand before I paid myself. So then question the person seriousness. But have been told since then that it is not uncommon for someone to do that so guess I am just different. Thansks for you input and questions.
My little ultra Chron 431 from 1967, 10k Gold filled case. Now off for service, not at Longines obviously .
A rare blue dial beauty from the mid-seventies. Unfortunately, diver watches are not to my wife's taste.