Although Longines is not among the most prestigious Swiss watch brands, the company concentrates more on the middle-tier market and produces high-quality timepieces that can be purchased for affordable prices.
These watches represent excellent value for the money and are a great starter item for any watch collection.
It’s not difficult to understand why Longines is such a well-known brand. It has a fascinating past, uses sturdy and dependable Swiss movements in all of its watches, pays meticulous attention to detail, and produces high-quality products.
While the brand makes some excellent timepieces today, some of the most loved items are from their earlier collections. The market for vintage Longines watches is growing, and everyone seems to want one.
If you’re looking for a vintage Longines watch to enhance your style, then take a look at some of the best options below.
History Of Longines Watches
Before we dive into today’s article, let’s have a brief recap for those that need it. Longines watches were founded in 1832 and have gone from strength to strength.
Their watchmaking began in Switzerland, with no communication, running water, or electricity. There were lots of challenges ahead, but they were committed to creating quality watches.
And that dedication paid off! They were one of the first brands to mechanize their watch production with the use of hydroelectric turbines.
Over the years their watches and time keeping devices have been used in cycling races, Formula 1, and even in the Commonwealth Games!
Not only do you get accuracy with Longines watches, you get Swiss style and engineering that is unbeatable!
Plus, their reputation is unlikely to fade over time, meaning if you invest in a Longines watch, you are sure to see its value grow over time.
The Best Vintage Longines Watches
Let’s look at some of the most well-known and highly regarded vintage Longines watches.
Chronograph Watches
Longines Chronograph watches are some of their most popular designs. They are available in a range of styles and colors, making them perfect for anyone.
They feature the signature smaller watch faces on the face, along with the accuracy that Longines are famous for.
Their Chronograph watches stand the test of time, not only in terms of durability, but style too. Here are a few of our favorite Chronograph watches that Longines offers.
Longines Flagship Series
1. Longines Flagship 1960
The Flagship Series was first introduced in 1957, when Longines wanted to create a new and unique vision for watches post-war. These were some of the most unorthodox watches seen at the time, and they all came with equally unique names.
The Flagship series was also one of the most established series of watches to be brought out at the time, solidifying the idea of a ‘family of watches’ to consumers. This was one of the longest running marketing campaigns in Longines’ history.
The Flagship watches are gorgeous, too, showcasing the vibe of fashion in the decades they were released. Longines still makes Flagship watches to this day, but we think that the vintage options have a charming look to them.
Longines Conquest
2. Longines Conquest 1954
Many consider the Conquest line to be the start of a new era for Longines. While the Flagship series might have solidified the idea of a family of watches, the Conquest series was the line that started this.
While the Flagship family might have been more successful, the Conquest family was the first to do it, and this really changed the game for watches as we know them today.
The Conquest line was known for its simplicity, durability, and aesthetics. Some argue that Longines was ahead of its time with this watch, as you won’t see much of a difference in design of modern watches!
This is one of Longines’ earliest watch series, created in the early 1930s by Charles Lindbergh. It was made for pilots and quickly nicknamed the Hour Angle watch.
Charles Lindbergh had the idea after he set a world record for being the first person to complete a solo transatlantic flight, from Paris to New York.
Charles Lindbergh decided to collaborate with Longines to create this watch to help other aviators in similar situations as him. The watch is able to be used as a global positioning system, which is an invaluable asset when flying a plane!
We’re not suggesting that you take to the skies anytime soon, but wearing an aviator’s watch is sure to spice up your wardrobe.
Longines Weems Series
4. Longines Weems Military Issue Watch
The Longines Weems series is an interesting one, as it really paved the way for many other military watches that would come after it. First released to the public in 1929, the Longines Weems Second-Setting Watch was used by many navigators and aviators until the release of the Hour Angle watch.
This watch was designed by Captain Philip Van Horn Weems to help pilots keep better time when flying. As little as a 30 seconds difference could take them off-course as much as seven miles!
The Second-Setting watch was so popular that it was adopted by the military and used by many soldiers. The simplicity of this watch’s materials brings out the best in any outfit, but the rich history behind it makes a wonderful talking piece.
Longines Chronograph Series
5. Longines 13ZN Chronograph 2352
The Longines 13ZN Chronograph is one of the most sought after vintage watches by collectors, and it’s not difficult to see why when looking at it. The watch was produced from 1936 to 1951, expanding on the design of the smaller 13.33Z.
There are different makes of this watch, with some of the rarest being known as the ‘Mushroom Pusher’. These were produced in very small quantities and therefore are a real find online.
No matter what type of Chronograph watch you get, though, you can be sure that it will enhance your style in more ways than one.
Longines Ultra-Chron
6. Longines L28364528 Ultra-Chron Automatic
Many consider the Ultra-Chron to be the most impressive Longines vintage watch in regards to its high-frequency. The balance spring rotates at 36,000 beats per hour, improving its precision despite its age.
The Ultra-Chron was first introduced in 1968. The high-beating watches needed more durable parts and better performing lubrication to keep working at a higher level, which is why the Ultra-Chron watch was considerably more expensive than other Longine watches. However, many considered the better quality to be worth the cost.
The unique look of this watch will have anyone marveling at your timepiece. The durable leather and robust watch face is sure to impress wherever you go.
Longines Calatrava
7. Longines Calatrava Sector Dial 24308
The Calatrava watches were distributed between the 1940s and 1960s, with their simplicity being their main selling point.
During this time, watches were evolving into bigger bodies with plenty of features to help in working fields, but the Calatrava was ideal for people who only wanted a watch for one thing – to tell the time.
The name, Calatrava, comes from the Patek Philippe ‘Calatrava’, which is a line of watches first seen in 1932. These were inspired by the Bauhaus principle.
The light watch faces seen on the Calatrava are ideal for any occasion, pairing with any outfit and color well. They can be dressed up or down and are ideal for any new watch collector.
Longines Admiral Series
8. Longines Admiral 8581-2
Quite a few iconic watches from this time have square cases or cases shaped like television screens.
This Longines Admiral ref. 8581-2 may not be as big of an icon as other Longines models, but it does offer a square cushion-shaped casing that is 39 millimeters in diameter and looks pretty great.
The case’s finish is one of the aspects of the product that particularly appeals to people. The case has a brushed radial finish which looks amazing on square and rectangular cases.
The combination of a white and blue dial makes for a stunning 1970s-inspired timepiece that exudes strong maritime undertones.
The Admiral watch line was first released in the late 1950s, and up until the 1970s, the majority of the watches in this line featured more traditional designs. Not only was it easy to recognize a Longines Admiral by its name, but also by its design.
Summary
These have been the very best vintage watches by Longines. This Swiss band has been around for decades now, and so has had a long time to build up a reputation for being an excellent company.
The brand always makes high-quality and durable products, as can be seen by all of these watches that are still in good working order years later.
If you want to enhance your style, then you can’t go wrong with accessorizing with a vintage Longines watch.
Have you ever thought that you were born in the wrong generation? That you would have suited the 80s better? The 70s, 50s, or even the 30s?
Then welcome to my website, where you’ll fit right in. Hi, my name is Willa Price and I am a self-confessed fashion lover.
I specialize in vintage fashion at a designer label, and it is my dream job. I spend my days reinventing old pieces and reworking them into modern fashion trends.
Please, enjoy my website as you take a step back in time to relive the fashion evolution that we are still moving through now.
