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Longines Dress Watch 14K WG (Ref. 494-893) "Cal. 19.4", 1965 — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Longines Dress Watch 14K WG (Ref. 494-893) "Cal. 19.4", 1965

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Longines (maker)
Date
1965
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Stock no.
LGS494893
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (LGS494893)
Catalogue title (original)
1965 Longines Dress Watch 14K WG (Ref. 494-893) "Cal. 19.4" (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number LGS494893), this is a wristwatch by Longines, made in Switzerland, dated 1965. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. 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. Longines' history is sprawling with an array of beautiful and functional watches, including military-issued timepieces, beautiful sports watches, and unique dress watches. This piece falls into the latter category, a beautiful 14k white gold piece with an exaggerated bezel that features a cross-hatched motif on the outside and a zig-zag "diamond" pattern on the inside. It's somehow both low-profile and standout, and would look amazing on just about anyone. SPECS Stock # LGS494893 Brand Longines Style Dress Watch Model 494-893 Serial 126XXXX Size Men's / Unisex Material 14K White Gold Dial Silver Millimeters 34 Strap 2pc Handmade Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The well-preserved and classical 14K white gold case features nuanced case geometry that remains fully present, with no evidence of polishing. The recessed crown appears to be original as well. The case back remains crisp with minor signs of previous use, and the engraved initials "P.M." The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade leather strap. DIAL & HANDS The beautifully finished silver dial is both simple and stunning, with no damage and almost no elements of age. The minute track features silver dot markers atop the sleek silver hour markers, all of which match the original hands and are in excellent condition. ACCESSORIES None. The service history is unknown and is ready for service. The service can be provided upon request at the time of service.

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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