Seeking Input for Longines 9ct Gold Cal 12.68z

K Kbjohn

The dial on the OP’s watch is original (second post is redone). As for dial condition, it’s a personal thing. The price is pretty low for a solid gold Longines, even if it isn’t Swiss cased.

The calibre 12.68 is one of Longines most reliable and well regarded movements. Made for decades, serviceable and accurate.

Crowns generally I think of as pretty irrelevant. They are a service item.

In my experience, finding a solid gold, 1950’s Longines buckle might set you back a similar amount to the watch. That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if the strap and buckle on this watch were early, they look very old.

size11s

It should be noted that this case has fixed strap bars, hence the open ended strap, so replacement strap choices are quite limited. Personally, I quite like it, interesting Baume case and it's an OK price I think.

DirtyDozen12

This is a nice piece. Dial is original, in good condition, and an attractive design. All hands look fine too. Case is also a nice design. On some models, original crowns are more important (waterproof cases). In this case, the crown fits the design so I am not bothered about whether it is strictly correct or not. The movement is in typical, gilded finish for the UK market. The caliber 12.68Z was first produced in 1929 and continued to be used into the 1960s. It is a very well made movement with a relatively large balance wheel, no wire springs, and a generally robust construction. Though prevalent, it is really an exceptional movement in terms of quality. Price for this one is fair. Finding an original buckle will be tough, but there's no rush.

joeshoup

I had a similar reference in steel from the later 1950s (now on my brother in law's wrist) and I found it to be a very reliable and enjoyable watch. I paid about the same as you are considering, about two years ago. Love the movement and it has a good reputation (and was used forever!) You probably didn't find it on the Longines automatics thread because, well... It's not an automatic!

I have questions about the crown, which looks to have a slightly different shade of gold, and about the subseconds dial, which looks a bit off, maybe repainted, and has west from an incorrectly set hand. Case looks good to me. I don't like the dialpatina, but you might! That is a very personal issue...

Several Longines with this movement have been posted for sale here this month at similar prices, and they were much more interesting to my eye. I personally think you can do better! More experienced members please chime in!

Here's my former friend, I still have visitation rights:

Zapatta

Regarding the strap, plenty of options on ebay (type open ended watch strap)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/382432456299

Radiumpassion

Baume supplied their own 9ct buckles for these watches. They are pretty hard to come by....

magix114

Wonderful. It's not Longines signed isnt it?