
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Longines Automatic, 18K Rose Gold, circa 1953
- Maker / attribution
- Longines (maker)
- Date
- c. 1953
- Historical period
- Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Materials / technique
- 18k rose gold
- Stock no.
- vws3612cs
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws3612cs)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Longines Automatic - 18K Rose Gold - c.1953 (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws3612cs), this is a wristwatch by Longines, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1953. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: 18k rose gold. 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 — Vintage Watch Specialist
A Stunning Longines Automatic Watch with a Beautiful Two-Tone Dial with a 18k Rose Gold Gabus Freres Case, c.1953 Longines is a prestigious Swiss watchmaker with a storied history dating back to 1832. Founded by Auguste Agassiz in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, the company initially operated under the name "Raiguel Jeune & Cie." The establishment quickly gained a reputation for precision due to its diligent craftsmanship and innovative approaches. By 1867, under the leadership of Agassiz’s nephew Ernest Francillon, Longines had consolidated its production processes, distinguishing itself in the industry. Francillon was instrumental in embracing mechanisation, which led Longines to create its first in-house movement, the 20A, in that same year. This innovation paved the way for the company to receive international recognition. Longines was also notably involved in pioneering the precision timekeeping crucial for sports, leading to their position as the official timekeeper for many prominent events, including the first modern Olympic Games. As of today, Longines is renowned for its timeless elegance and performance, continuously blending tradition with modern technology. What's on Offer We are delighted to offer this absolutely charming 18k rose gold Longines dress watch for sale in beautiful vintage condition. Just look at that two-tone dial and the unusual combination of Arabic numerals and faceted triangular hour markers in golf. There is a recessed sub-seconds dial at 6 o'clock and elegant angled leaf hands. The dial is completed by the Longines signature at 12 o'clock. As you will note from our photographs the dial has taken on some patina, it is even across the dial and as any vintage watch lover will know - this is a natural part of the ageing process of watches and you will simply never find another exactly the same! All part of the joy of vintage watch collecting! This watch is paired with a beautiful handmade ostrich strap in tan which compliments the dial perfectly. If you are looking for a classic gold watch from one of the most notable watchmakers in history, then this could be for you. It is exquisite.
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
Automatic (self-winding) watches
Self-winding watches use the wearer's motion to wind the mainspring. Abraham-Louis Perrelet and Breguet made 'perpétuelle' pocket watches with oscillating weights in the late eighteenth century, but the principle only became practical in the wristwatch. John Harwood patented a bumper automatic in 1923; Rolex's Perpetual rotor (1931) winding in one direction, and later bidirectional rotors (Eterna, Felsa Bidynator), established the modern form. Micro-rotors (Universal Genève, Buren) and peripheral rotors made automatic watches thinner.
What to look for
- A semicircular rotor turning 360° over the movement, or a 'bumper' weight that rebounds between springs.
- 'Automatic', 'Perpetual' or 'Self-winding' on the dial.
- A sealed screw-back case, since automatic watches are wound less often by the crown.
Dating clues
- Bumper automatics: 1923–c. 1955.
- Full rotors: from 1931 (Rolex); widespread after c. 1950.
- Micro-rotors: from 1954–1958.
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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