I went to the estate sale of a watchmaker recently; mostly parts and watches for repair. It was pretty well picked-over, but among the piles of things I didn't know anything about, something drew me to this Longines Admiral (pics below). I checked that the balance was swinging freely and bought it.

I know nothing about these watches, so I have a few questions:

1) Is there a good resource that I can use to research this (like the Omega database)?

2) Is there a blueprint somewhere for this movement (342)? I believe I may be missing parts for the rotor assembly?

3) Where can I source a crystal?

4) Can I use a "normal" claw-type crystal lift to install it, or do I need the Admiral-specific tool?

The watch runs for a few seconds then stops. I plan on cleaning and oiling it and putting it all together with a nice strap and selling it on. Any thoughts on completed value?

Thanks!

Adam

 

There's no single source for Longines knowledge. You can call the scant number of Longines collectors out there for help though. I think I have a breakdown of the 34x series somewhere. I'll see if I can find it for you.

 

Great, thanks!

In cleaning it I noticed what can be seen in the pictures, it looks like the lugs were reattached at some point (looks burnt)? What could that be about?

 

This should help:

http://www.cousinsuk.com/PDF/categories/754_Longines 340, 342, 345.pdf

 

Thank You!

Is there a name for this model (besides Longines Admiral)? Is it a good caliber?

 

The caliber is nicknamed the Grand Prize. The Admiral was a series of watches with all different movements. They started in 1960 and still continue today.

 

Just following-up on this; any idea where I can source a crystal? I'm not even sure which number to use as the case reference?

 

It's a US made case #69-384.

 

Thanks as always!

 

S'alright.

 

Okay, anyone have a suggestion on where I can source a crystal? Swatch wants me to send it in for service to get one (of course), I'm really trying to keep costs low and sell it on once I get it up and running...

 

Don't send it to Swatch. It will cost 4 times the value of the watch to have them fix / service it. Contact Steve (member N2FHL) about working on it.

 

Thanks, I don't want a service, just the crystal. I can't find anywhere to buy one!

 

Longines provided it's "birth date" of December 11th 1964 (maybe a Christmas present?), but then told me to send it to them to get serviced in Switzerland in order to get a crystal...

 

Nothing special about that crystal. Most front-loading watches from that era used the same type crystal. It needs a ridge on the outside for your crystal tool to grab it and the bottom edge has to be wide enough to hold the movement in place when it is inserted. You just need to measure it and order the right size from your supplier-CasKer, Otto Frei, Borel, etc. Usually a PHD type crystal will do the trick.

Steve

 

Thanks!