
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Longines Automatic Dress Watch 14K YG (Ref. 1337) "Christmas Special", 1952
- Maker / attribution
- Longines (maker)
- Date
- 1952
- Historical period
- Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 33 mm
- Stock no.
- LNG14K1337
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (LNG14K1337)
- Catalogue title (original)
- 1952 Longines Automatic Dress Watch 14K YG (Ref. 1337) "Christmas Special" (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number LNG14K1337), this is a wristwatch by Longines, made in Switzerland, dated 1952. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 33 mm. 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
Longines is one of the oldest continuously operating watch manufacturers in the world, with roots dating back to 1832. Over that immense period of time, the brand has crafted some truly incredible—and incredibly accurate—timepieces. In fact, it's one of the reasons Longines is the official timekeeper of the Kentucky Derby, where accuracy is paramount. Whether it's a chronograph, diving watch, or a simple dress model, a Longines wristwatch never seems to disappoint. The brand's history is sprawling with an array of beautiful and functional pieces, including beautiful sports watches, military-issued timepieces, and unique dress watches. Featuring long - broad lugs, an automatic movement, a screw-back case, and an oversized crown, this classic, yet luxurious dress watch in solid 14K yellow gold from Longines might be the perfect everyday dress watch and a great representation Longines as luxury watchmaker of the era. SPECS Stock # LNG14K1337 Brand Longines Style Dress Watch Model 1337 Serial 85XXXXX Size Men's Material 14K Yellow Gold Dial Silver Millimeters 33 Strap 2pc Handmade Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The impressive 14K yellow gold case measures a modest 33mm in diameter, however, the large lugs extend the watch far beyond its diameter with a lug to lug measurement of 42.5mm. The case itself exhibits evidence of minimal polishing in the past with the original dimensions remaining present while displaying gentle signs of use. The oversized crown is original to the watch and is signed Longines. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap with a gold plaque Longines tang buckle. The case back is adorned with a festive engraving that reads "To Dad, Xmas 1952, Alice & Keith". DIAL & HANDS The original brushed silver Calatrava-style dial is exceptionally well-preserved, exhibiting nominal age and no damage. The original yellow gold dauphine hands have oxidized to a slightly more rosy color than the case and are in excellent condition. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is keeping time, the previous service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided 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
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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