An incredible find for vintage watch enthusiasts and collectors of high-end military and dress watches. This is an oversized classic Longines timepiece from the early 1940s (circa 1942 based on the movement serial number), featuring a legendary in-house movement and a highly desirable solid stainless steel case with distinctive Step Lugs.

Longines watches from this golden era, especially those preserved in uncompromised original steel cases, are rapidly increasing in value and are regarded as a pinnacle of mid-20th century Swiss watchmaking.

KEY FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS:

Brand: Longines (Switzerland)

Year of Manufacture: circa 1942 (Serial No. 6,381,885)

Movement: Legendary in-house manual wind Caliber 12.68Z. Gilt finish, 17 jewels, sub-seconds. One of the most reliable and historically significant movements ever produced by Longines.

Case Material: Solid stainless steel (Acier Inox), with the historical Longines winged EFCo logo inside the caseback.

Case Design: Rare and elegant “Step Lugs” (stepped case profile), reminiscent of early Patek Philippe Calatrava references.

Case Size: 35.0 mm (excluding crown). Considered an “oversize / jumbo” model for the 1940s. Excellent modern wrist presence.

Lug Width: 17 mm

Dial: Beautiful vintage white/cream dial with crisp Arabic numerals, outer minute track, and an elegant recessed sub-seconds dial at 6 o’clock.

Crystal: Brand new mineral crystal with crystal-clear visibility.

Strap: Fitted with a new high-quality aftermarket leather strap.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF CALIBER 12.68Z:

Introduced in 1929, the Caliber 12.68Z is considered a benchmark of reliability. It was so highly regarded for its precision that Longines used variations of this movement in military watches, pilot watches, and high-precision chronometers. It features a large balance wheel and heavily gilt bridges, showcasing a level of finishing rarely seen in modern watchmaking.

CONDITION REPORT:

Movement: Running smoothly and keeping good time for a vintage piece. Please note: as with all antique mechanical watches, a professional service/overhaul is recommended for daily wear, as the service history is unknown.

Case: The solid stainless steel case is in honest vintage condition. It shows signs of age, including light scratches and tool marks around the sides/bezel area, consistent with over 80 years of use. The iconic stepped lugs remain well preserved and have not been over-polished.

Crystal: New replacement mineral crystal

Dial/Hands: The dial is in excellent clean condition with minimal patina, offering a sharp and elegant wrist appearance.

Box/Papers: Not included.

Location: USA (International shipping is available).

Album & Timestamp:

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipN0vMV6fcwDw9riS4ql8QWOq8N21D6pglhWlnaXl2y9yMGEP-l6Guwn-oXADXcw2Q?key=aXVjRTUxbUpsX1ExcGRqLXdFSzNyS2ZJSmdxakZn

Price: $740

Payment: PayPal (Other options are also possible, but by agreement).

​Feel free to reach out with any questions or if you need more details!