Why This Watch Matters

A gentle reminder that Longines was one of the best brands doing it around the mid-century.

The Full Story

Longines' design and quality during the 1940s and 1950s were second to none compared to competitors at the time. Beyond renowned chronographs, such as the 13ZN, this reputation can be traced back to oversized time-only "Calatrava" watches with extremely clean and minimalist dial layouts. The movements inside are some of the most well-built you'll come across.

On the surface, this watch looks like a simple time-only, dare we say a "dress watch." However, this example is more than simple and elegant. The stainless steel case was considered oversized for its day at 34mm in diameter while sitting near flush to the wrist at only 9.8mm thick. Worn today, the watch plays even larger than the dimensions alone suggest due to the slim bezel. The dial design has certainly stood the test of time. It's perfectly subdued with a waffle texture, applied hour markers, and non-luminous dial.

We paired this Longines with our Holland watch strap in charcoal to add a bit of contrast to the look and bring out the dial printing.

The Fine Print

What We Love And What You Should Know

Things We Love:

- Simple clean design
- Waffle textured dial
- Applied hour markers

Things To Know:

- Light scratches on case
- Later replacement seconds hand

This Longines is in overall excellent nice condition. The case is overall in very good condition with light scratches, and the edges are still sharp. The engraving on the caseback remain crisp and legible. There are some scratches on the rear of the lugs from strap changing.

The dial is in overall good condition with very light patina. The hour markers and hands show some light patina which blends very well with the soft eggshell textured dial. The seconds hand is a later replacement. 

The dial, crown, case, and movement are all signed by Longines. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.