I noted this watch when it appeared on the Instagram account called @vintagewatchfox: https://www.instagram.com/p/Civ-lIrKg0v/
I do not recall seeing another dial exactly like it, however, the style and execution are consistent with original dials from the period. Also, there seems to be a trend of flamboyant salmon dials with "Fab. Suisse" printing. Both of the examples below have the caliber 23M, and both have serial numbers in the 7.4 million range (7'467'151 for the first example).
https://omegaforums.net/threads/help-to-identify-this-old-longines.69658/
https://wannabuyawatch.com/product/longines-18k-pg-dress-model-circa-1950s/
Like the dial, I do not recall seeing a case that is exactly the same. However, the style and markings are consistent with other cases from the period. Below is an example with similar markings, for comparison.
Just to be clear, the case is French-made. This means that it does not have a Longines reference number, and there is likely no information about it in Longines' archive. This makes assessing its potential originality much more difficult.
https://www.carsandwatches.com/watches/watches-archive/longines-13zn-in-18k-pink-gold-from-1944
Thank you. I guess in this case its pretty much just about whether or not to trust the dealer~
I would say that even very reputable dealers miss things from time to time. So, it is best to do as much independent research as you can before purchasing.
You're right. How does this look to you? It seems that the markings etc being period correct is as good as I'm going to know....
FWIW, I know the owner of that shop well, and have great confidence in him. That's not to say that he couldn't possibly be wrong about a detail, but I would be 100% confident that he would offer a full refund if it were discovered that a watch that he sold had been incorrectly identified as being original.
I also see no reason to believe that it is not original.
I do not see anything that looks out of place. The balance cock looks a bit rough, but that is not consequential.
I have no experience with the French versions so I have to ask if the Longines logo on the back case is consistent with the dial. It worries me, is it not a Franken?
This strikes me as A-OK, although I’ve been wrong before. Certainly French-cased, with distinctive eagle hallmark and PGF maker’s mark. The dial looks original and of the period, which would have been shortly before changeover to applied winged hourglass.
The winged hourglass confused me, but when you look at the serial number of the movement, you can conclude that it was produced during the transitional period and the whole watch is coherent and original.
