Hello OF people, new to this and just wondering if anyone would be able to help me with a watch I picked up in a jumble sale years ago with a few other watches. At the time I only bought the Longines because I liked the look of an old Casio that was in the same bunch being sold together. Due to the condition, I just bobbed this and a couple other watches in a draw and forgot about them. Well the other day during some "spring cleaning" my wife asked me if I still wanted them. Now this brings me here, having just rediscovered this old gem, I'd love if someone could let me know a little bit more about this watch as I'm a bit clueless. Many thanks!

 

i'm no Longines expert but if that thing is genuine then it's gotta be a good score. it's gorgeous!

 

Almost certainly a Longines dial in an unrelated case. In other words, a "Frankenwatch".

 

Case looks like it's from one of the umpteen million 1960s put your name here brands of "dive" watches.

 

Neat little piece, but while no expert I'd agree that the dial and the case are miles (and years) apart. Still, could be a fun little project if you're the tinkering sort.

 

Yeah, if you don't already shave your wrist, that bracelet will take care of it for you, one hair at a time.

 

Thank you all for the feedback guys! I only paid £5 for it, did I do alright?

 

Love the idea of a project!

 

If there's a Longines movement inside, yes, otherwise, perhaps not. Although the dial might be worth more than 5GBP if it's genuine...

 

I have an update for you, I had the back opened and have a couple pictures for you. Anyone able to give any more information? Any advice as to whether I should try get hold of the original case and restore it or is it not worth the effort? Thank you all!

 

Yes, the movement likely began its life with the dial. They were likely both in a gold (dress) case, which was sold for its scrap value, and someone (bizarrely) decided to marry the pair with a diver case.

I can't read the serial number well, but if it is 4xxxxxx, then it was manufactured in the 1920s, which would have been a good 40 years prior to the case! A 6xxxxxx number would date it to the '40s. To be contemporary with the case, it would need another digit!

 

Thank you for the update Tony! 6261911 longines movement inside, does it have a specific model or do watches of that era only go by year? Regards!

 

That’s not a bad score. Dial looks to be in fantastic condition.

My guess, based off the hands, is that it was in a case that looked a little like this.

 

This is one of the funniest frankens I've ever seen. A 1940s Longines cal 12.68Z movement in a generic skin diver case from the 1960s. Unfortunately, it's impossible to know what the original case looked like for this dial and movement, it was a very commonly used movement. The best thing to do would be to split up the watch and sell the case/caseback as one lot and the movement & dial separately. That way they will go to people who want them, and the OP will still make a profit.

 

Longines will probably tell you what the reference number associated with the movement was. Then it’s just a matter of googling. If you ask nicely, they might even send you an image of the model (if they have it).

 

You can contact Longines here:

https://www.longines.com/certificate-of-authenticity

Click Contact Us, and send them an email requesting the history of the watch with a photo of the dial and the movement.

 

Great point. I've never requested an Extract from Longines for an uncased movement, but they might be willing to give the historical information. They are very helpful.