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Longines Admiral 5-Star 'Gold Filled' (Ref. 2940) Cal. 501, 1960s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Longines Admiral 5-Star 'Gold Filled' (Ref. 2940) Cal. 501, 1960s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Longines (maker)
Date
1960s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Materials / technique
gold filled
Stock no.
LONG5A2940
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (LONG5A2940)
Catalogue title (original)
1960s Longines Admiral 5-Star 'Gold Filled' (Ref. 2940) Cal. 501 (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number LONG5A2940), this is a wristwatch by Longines, made in Switzerland, dated 1960s. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: gold filled. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Throughout its history, Longines has created some of the most beautiful pieces the watch world has ever seen, and in 1960 they continued that trend with the release of the Admiral 5-Star. A stunning and versatile automatic watch for everyday wear, no matter the circumstances. This particular one from the 1960s features a stunningly complex dial and unique gold-filled case. SPECS Stock # LONG5A2940 Brand Longines Style Admiral 5-Star Model 2940 Serial N/A Size Men's Material 10K Gold Filled Dial Silver Millimeters 35 Strap 2pc Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The 10K gold-filled case is in wonderful vintage condition, showing minimal evidence of being previously polished with nominal signs of use preset. The crown is believed to be an early replacement but matches the aesthetics of the watch perfectly. The case back retains its factory markings in deep and crisp condition. DIAL & HANDS The original and incredibly complex dial is a true work of art and remains exceptionally well-preserved, showing no damage or notable elements of age. The tritium lume plots feature a subtle eggshell patina and exhibit no degradation when inspected under UV light. The original tritium syringe-style hands exhibit no degradation when inspected under UV light. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is running, previous service history is unknown. A movement service can be purchased upon request.

Historical context

Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)

Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.

The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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