Longines Wittnauer, Grand Prize Automatic, 10k Gold Filled, ref. 5003, circa 1961

Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist

Longines entered the 1960s with an enviable reputation for precision watchmaking and a new generation of automatic movements. Its 340-series calibres arrived at the beginning of the decade and powered a variety of elegant automatic watches, including models sold through the important North American market. Longines' longstanding relationship with Wittnauer played a significant role in its American distribution, and watches from this period remain an interesting part of the company's mid-century history. What's on Offer We are delighted to offer for sale this Longines Wittnauer Grand Prize Automatic, model reference 5003, dating from approximately 1961. Housed in a 10k gold-filled case, the watch measures a very wearable 35mm across and 39mm from lug to lug. The traditional round case is complemented by slim, straight lugs, while the warm gold finish gives the watch the classic appearance of an early-1960s dress watch. The caseback is clearly marked “10K GOLD FILLED.” The silver-white dial has developed considerable natural patina over more than six decades, with spotting and ageing visible across its surface. This gives the watch plenty of vintage character while the original layout remains clear and attractive. The dial is furnished with applied gold Arabic numerals throughout, accompanied by a dotted outer minute track. Slim gold hands correspond beautifully with the numerals, together with a fine central seconds hand. The Longines name and winged hourglass emblem sit beneath 12 o'clock, while the elegant script “Automatic” appears above 6 o'clock. The crown also carries the Longines winged hourglass emblem, a lovely original detail that complements the gold-toned case and dial furniture. Inside is the Longines Calibre 340, a 17-jewel automatic mechanical movement with a power reserve of approximately 43 hours. Introduced at the beginning of the 1960s, the 340 belongs to Longines' own family of automatic movements and is an important part of the appeal of this particular watch. Completing the watch is a warm brown leather strap which works particularly well with the aged gold tones of the case and dial. Condition is rated at 8.5/10. There are age-related marks and wear to the case, together with noticeable natural ageing and spotting to the dial, all of which are clearly shown in our photographs. The caseback displays surface scratching consistent with decades of wear, but overall this remains a wonderfully characterful example of an early-1960s Longines automatic.