With its bi metal bracelet and high end quartz movement, this Longines would have been absolutely the watch to have in the early eighties. Model reference 4863.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
The papers for this watch are undated instructions for the 950.2 movement, so we have to use a different method to date the watch. When comparing the the serial number on this watch to another we have that has papers from 1982, they are very close (as are the model number references, and they both use the same movement). Therefore it is safe to say this was made around the same time. 1982 was also the 150th anniversary of Longines as a company.
CONDITION
The quartz crisis of the 1970’s, fuelled by rapidly advancing technology and a massive surge in the gold price, took a huge toll on the industry. There were basically three options – compete with the cheap quartz watches coming in from mainly Asia by reducing quality, going against the flow like Oris did by purely making mechnical movements, or making quartz movements that were better than the cheap watches. That is the route that Longines took, making their watches noticeably better at both timekeeping and functions. The movement in this watch is the Longines, 11 jewel 950.2. This calibre is a great movement, with a trimmer for extra accuracy, and with independent hour hand setting to allow for travel across time zones without upsetting the time keeping. That also allows you to quick set the date. Everything is working correctly and we will install a brand new battery before sending the watch out to the new owner. The bracelet has a bit of the look of a Royal Oak, but the centre links are gold plated and this bracelet is removable, so you could wear this on a leather strap if preferred. There is some wear to the gold plated bezel, and a couple of light marks on the dial, but overall this presents very well.
This watch will be supplied with the original presentation box, instruction book and our Certificate of Authenticity. The box is missing the insert that holds the watch.
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 36.5 mm
Width without crown 34.5 mm
Between lugs 18 mm
Lug to lug length 36.5 mm
Case Thickness 7.2 mm
Bracelet will fit a maximum wrist size of 200 mm. The bracelet can be sized without needing any tools or the need to add or remove links.
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.
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.
