A larger than average men’s gold Longines watch, fitted with calibre 12.68Z.

HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?

From the serial number on the movement and the London hallmark we can date this watch to being made and assayed in 1950.  But the engraving on the case back clearly states 1961.  It could have been first gifted in 1961 having not sold before (just in time stock management was not a thing in the 1950’s), or it could have been engraved with a date for 1961 when the watch was already in someone’s possession, maybe to mark and anniversary or birthday?  Without asking W R Holt, we will never know.

CONDITION

The manual wind calibre 12.68Z is a treat to operate and is keeping good time.  It is quite a large movement, which required a larger than average case, and if you are wondering why we mention it so prominently it is because this 12.68Z movement also featured in the highly collected Longines Dirty Dozen watches used by the British Military in 1944.  It is a good this to have this movement in short!  Inside the case back it is stamped Baume, who were the official UK distributor for Longines and Vacheron Constantin, and for DS&S who would have made the stepped case in England to Longines specification.  This was to avoid the post war punitive import duty on gold watches.  The dial is dirty but original, which is widely considered better than clean but repainted.  The crown has lost some of the plating, but it is still operationally fine.  The leather strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour if preferred.  An original Longines gold tone buckle is fitted too.

This watch will be supplied with our branded presentation box and our Certificate of Authenticity.

Please see the HD video for more detail.  All photos and videos are part of the description and are of the actual watch unless mentioned.  We do not photoshop any pictures, and the images are copyright of birthyearwatches.com and should not be used without permission.

​SIZE

Width with crown  37.4 mm

Width without crown  35.6 mm

Between lugs  18 mm

Lug to lug length  43.9 mm

Case Thickness  12.1 mm

All sizes are approximate.

Included with this watch is a 3 month guarantee and free delivery to UK addresses.  If you live outside the UK we can still deliver to most countries.  Please see our Worldwide Shipping information, or Contact Us.   Payment can be made by most credit or debit cards, bank transfer or PayPal.

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