Founded in Switzerland in 1832, Longines is the world’s oldest registered watchmaking brand. In 1867 Longines opened its first factory known as 'Es Longines' and produced its first watch movement, which won an award at the Universal Exhibition in Paris that same year. Technical director Jacques David was instrumental in helping the brand move away from artisan methods and towards mechanised production, which it pioneered. In 1878 Longines produced their first chronometer, and would soon become famous for their extremely precise timekeeping, being named official supplier to the International Aeronautical Federation in 1919. In 1964 Longines was chosen to time Donald Campbell as he set his world land speed record of 403.1mph in his high-speed car Bluebell II.
The name ‘Longines’ has always been synonymous with precision and quality, and their timepieces remain popular with collectors. Examples of the company’s classic designs, such as the Conquest, Comet, Presence and Flagship collections are all sought after, as are earlier examples such as the Lindbergh Hour Angle watch, developed in conjunction with legendary aviator Charles Lindburgh to help pilots calculate longitude. Longines watches remain very collectable, with condition and rarity being driving factors when determining cost. It was the brand of choice of many famous and influential people such as Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, Albert Einstein and Amelia Earhart, and any proven links with famous owners will add to the value, as will original packaging or cases.
Longines were one of the twelve watchmakers involved in the highly collectable 'Dirty Dozen' watches created for the British Army during World War Two. Together with Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lemania, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor and Vertex, Longines produced manual wind wristwatches with W.W.W (Watch Wrist Waterproof) inscription to the case back. Longines contributed 8,000 of the 150,000 watches with 38mm stainless steel cases, and cal. 12.68Z movements. Selling exceptionally well at auction with collectors keen to 'complete' the Dirty Dozen set, these relatively rare watches continue to increase in value. Get in touch with our specialist for a free and up-to-date auction estimate of your Longines Dirty Dozen watch.
In 1939, the Czech Republic commissioned military wristwatches from three Swiss watchmakers - Longines, Lemania, and Eterna. Tasked with creating manual wind timepieces with a large dial with Arabic numerals, these watches became known as the 'Majetek' watch. Featuring a characteristic cushion shape case in stainless steel, these remarkable watches are powered by a 17 jewel manual wind movement and bear the engraving 'MAJESTEK VOJENSKE SPRAVY' to the case back. Rare and extremely collectable, the Longines Majetek watches fetch the highest prices of the three makers, and continue to rise in value. To enquire about selling your Longines Majetik watch through one of our specialist sales, contact our team today.
We hold four dedicated Jewellery & Watches auctions each year and offer a free valuation service as well as a free collection service for items consigned to these auctions.
Contact our qualified specialist Liz Bailey to find out more.
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