The XL-18 model from Longines could absolutely define what a watch from the early 1980’s would be. Model reference 6343.
HOW DO WE DATE THIS WATCH?
We have found the following;
“European Watch Clock and Jewellery Fair 1982 – BF 1016Q
A Longines model whose good looks are permanently protected by its case in XL-18 – three times harder than steel and five times harder than 18K gold – and sapphire crystal. The two-tone look is obtained by bombarding the case with titanium : the result is a yellow hue. Extra-thin proprietary quartz movement”
Given that the trade show would show watches earlier than the public would get to buy them, we think this watch would be made circa 1983.
CONDITION
The most successful watches of this period were quartz, bi metal rectangular cases and very slim, and the XL-18 ticks every box in that list. It goes further by actually qualifying as ultra thin (under 5mm), which before quartz watches would have only have been available from high end brands such as Piaget or Audemars Piguet. The seven jewel Longines calibre 978.2 movement is all working well, and we will install a brand new battery before sending the watch out to the new owner. The gold strap has a fine silver pattern throughout which reacts nicely with light. The strap is new, and could be swapped for a different colour or material if preferred. The watch is signed on the dial, case and movement.
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 27.5 mm
Width without crown 25.9 mm
Between lugs 19 mm
Lug to lug length 34.6 mm
Case Thickness 4.9 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.
