SuitbertW
2411
great write up and even greater find!
Mar 10, 2014,03:33 AM
Hi Tony,
wonderfull watch - congrats!
As you ention, it's hard to find handwound Longines chronometers - and this one is an exceptional example!
I'd prefer this one any day compared to most other chronometer calibers ever cased into wristwatches by Longines.
As to the caliber names - I've three observatory movements of this type in my collection - two 15.68 and one 14.68.
I believe the 14''' version was just a later iteration of the movement to make it fit into some more appropriate case.
Same thing one can observe with Omega's versions of the 30mm cal. - over the time the tried to "shave" off any possible
metal of the main plate (from flat front to convex for more curved dial). The taste of time just dictated slim and elegant watches....
If you compare 15.68 to 14.68 mainplates you can see exactly this - they just turned off everything possible (convex vs. flat mainplate front)
without compromising functionality and not necessitating any new/changed part - calling this a new cal. probably is a stretch.
I also don't believe it could rightly be called the chronometer version - that wouldn't be typical Longines as, to my understanding and knowledge,
they usually didn't change base cal. name for (sometimes even quite large) different iterations/quality etc....
The observatory versions do have some more details different from this sales version - I'll try to post some pics if I find some time.
The case is really nice as well, btw!
Best regards
Suitbert
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Lady Luck delivers an early Longines Chronometre
By: Tony C. : March 9th, 2014-07:43
Longines and Omega Within the context of vintage watch collecting, Longines and Omega share some important, broad similarities. They both hold clear places in the “mid-high” category, as judged by their production during the golden era of watchmaking (i.e...
Superb post, extraordinary catch.
By: amanico : March 9th, 2014-09:17
I am after one of those, in stainless steel, with an Observatory Style Dial... Cal 27 or 30 L.... But the level of finish of this movement is superb. Happy Fellow! Best, Nicolas
Stunning watch
By: Ares501 - Mr Green : March 9th, 2014-13:23
Excellent post Art will have heart attack not that I'm far from it :) Another example of Longines as it's best Thank you for sharing Best D
The find of a lifetime . . .
By: Dr No : March 9th, 2014-13:34
. . . and in such pristine condition, too - not a stray blemish anywhere. Thank you, Tony, for sharing in such detail, and to Keaton M as well for the images. Deeply impressed, Art
I cannot find a single thing on or in this watch...
By: nikolaj : March 9th, 2014-15:32
that I do not like... or love even! Especially the sumptuous case (Longines made some really marvelous cases through the years!), the finish of the movement but also the size of it and the way it fills the case to the brim. The crown is a work of art too!...
Thank you, Nikolaj, and...
By: Tony C. : March 10th, 2014-06:26
I do agree with you on the case. This one is exceptional, and I am lucky to have found it. Regards, Tony C.
great write up and even greater find!
By: SuitbertW : March 10th, 2014-03:33
Hi Tony, wonderfull watch - congrats! As you ention, it's hard to find handwound Longines chronometers - and this one is an exceptional example! I'd prefer this one any day compared to most other chronometer calibers ever cased into wristwatches by Longin...
Interesting insights, Suitbert...
By: Tony C. : March 10th, 2014-06:34
and thank you very much for sharing your knowledge on the topic! Are you aware of any non-chronometer 14.68Z examples? I ask because if your understanding is correct (i.e. that the 14.68Z was simply a slightly smaller version of the 15.68Z), then there re...
Well,....
By: SuitbertW : March 10th, 2014-06:58
I can only wildly guess here, obviously :-) I'd not be surprised if even in it's not that easy to find a person with good knowledge about what exactly happened during that period....sadly. My personal guess would be - Longines made a certain number of th...
Thanks for the follow-up...
By: Tony C. : March 10th, 2014-11:53
I certainly agree about the Italians and their taste for watches from the golden era! In fact, an Italian collector owns another example of the subject chronometer, so there are at least two dress versions. There is still an important difference between t...
Tremendous post Tony!
By: Tim Jackson : March 10th, 2014-12:52
What a find and thank you for taking the time to share it with us. Looks to be in great shape, a classic! Enjoy and you have an excellent watchmaker :) Cheers, Tim
Thank you
By: sfoskett : March 10th, 2014-14:49
Thank you for this fascinating and insightful post!
Congrats on this find, Tony.
By: tmw57 : March 10th, 2014-18:43
And as always, thanks for such a fascinating and beautifully written post. This novice collector is grateful for the education and inspiration. Geneva stripes--how can one not fall in love with hidden beauty? cheers Todd
Oh my!
By: secretlife : March 15th, 2014-09:16
That's a beautiful watch!!
I missed that post
By: cisco : April 8th, 2015-10:02
Thank you for that fantastic post on this rare bird. A first class watch if I may say, and what a collection you have... Did you get in touch with longinespassion? cheers François
Extraordinary post Tony C! Thank you so much...
By: Subexplorer : April 8th, 2015-14:07
... for your big effort in producing this informative and superbly illustrated article. I completely agree that the "wrist presence" factor is a very important part in the desirability of any watch. The finish of this movement is superb and adds to the en...