Fitted with their newly launched excenter rotor automatic movement, the Grand Prize is not a Longines model you find many of. Model reference 2579-343.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
From the serial number on the movement we can accurately date this watch to being made in 1963. This was also the launch year for this model and the movement too.
CONDITION
We are not entirely sure where the Grand Prize sat in the Longines range, as it shares a lot with both the Conquest and the Flagship. This watch has a unibloc case, so the movement is accessed via the tension ring crystal, which was supposed to improve water resistance. Inside you will find the off centre rotor movement on the calibre 343, a 17 jewel automatic with shock protection and semi quick set date. The dial has some marks, with the worst being a small dent near ten, but it is original. Longines themselves have a 1963 Grand Prize available now here for CHF 2900 (around £2,600), which is nice to be able to compare against. You can see the main hands are the same syringe design on both watches, but the seconds hand is different. They also state their watch was invoiced 5 years before it was made, which seems like a mistake. The leather strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour or material if preferred. The watch is signed on the dial, case, movement, crown and buckle.
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 36.3 mm
Width without crown 33.4 mm
Between lugs 18 mm
Lug to lug length 41.2 mm
Case Thickness 10.6 mm
All sizes are approximate. The watch is photographed on a wrist of 190mm/7.5 inches.
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.
From 1st September 2021 we will be planting a tree for every watch we sell, working with the International Tree Foundation (Est 1922) to make this business positive on carbon. By buying anything pre owned you are effectively reusing what already exists, but this takes it further and makes us feel good.
