Hi All,
I had a couple of questions:
1) Is there a resource to tell if a model available for sale has the correct dial? Ie Original vs refinished vs replacement vs franken? I understand the Longines website has a way to obtain a certificate of authencity (but that only gives a few details). I see that most people just post a pic here and ask the experts.
As others have said, the Italian forums (which people can attest to having excellent knowledge) or here. Just make sure your post is friendly and include some quality pictures.
2) Do you service your vintage Longines through the manufacturer or through independent watchmakers? Are parts scarce for the 12.68Z movement associated with the 35mm tre tacche models? Is maintaining this vintage watch as expensive as a modern Patek?
Use a reputable watchmaker who is happy to listen to your instructions regarding your watch. Parts are quite common, as this cal, and it's smaller brethren the 10.68z, are widely collected. If parts are not an issue, then a service will be more or less the same price as a manual time only watch...including Pateks (i.e about $200-$400, depending on who you go to.)
3) I haven't seen too many models for sale. How much would one expect to pay for a decent example?
My first 10.68z, which is a little smaller, was around the $450 mark. It's fully original (as far as I'm aware) but was initially priced just under double that. eBay listings for 12.68z go for around the $300-$1000 mark, depending on dial originality, case condition, and overall wear, as well as size. Looking for a Tre Tacche, especially, will increase the price as it will be far less common than Sei Tacche variants due to being produced earlier.
Thanks in advance for the advice!
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