We have here a stunningly aged longines Sei Tacche Reference 5697 (6 case back notches) The dial has the most unusual and in our opinion fantastic patina, almost like a baked caramel ,pumpkin soup effect or indeed Crème brûlée This gives no doubt to its originality. This patina is usually caused by a hot humid environment but we have also seen this effect happen to vintage window stock where the shop front window acts as a magnifying glass with the sun. This Mixed raised Arabic/Arrow numeral Dial variant is indeed quite rare and, along with the central seconds , gives a sense of symmetry to the watch. The gilt markers and dauphin hour and minute hands lend this watch to a real transitional piece between the late 1940s and early 1950s.
The solid steel case Ref 5697 case is correctly signed on the inside with matching caseback to case front numbers ,It is a two-piece case that measures approx 34.mm, the perfect size for a dress watch and houses the in house Longines manual wind caliber 27M, 17 Jewels and fully serviced by us and running strongly. We've paired this watch on a brown swede strap but with a face like that, it can pull off anything.
The simple yet elegant design with hints of Military has a sophistication so often associated with the Longines name and a style of watch that we are proud to put our name to as well.
Founded in 1832, Longines has a rich and exciting history. The company produced their first movement, the 20A, in 1867 near the Swiss town of Saint-Imier, in a place called Es Longines ("long meadows"). This movement won an award at the Exhibition Universelle in Paris in the same year. Longines are credited with advancing the industrialisation of Swiss watchmaking and it because of their new mechanical procedures, they were able to produce a simple chronograph movement, the 20H, as early as 1878. It was the first mechanism that Longines had made that could be used for precise timing and it was so popular with horse racing bettors and spectators that by the end of 1886, Longines were supplying chronographs to the majority of New York's sports officials. It is still the official timekeeper of many horse races, with over 40 in its annual calendar. The Longines brand name and logo were officially registered with the United International Bureaux for the Protection of Intellectual Property (later the WIPO) in 1889. Longines is the oldest brand name registered with the WIPO that is unchanged and still in use today. Longines is now part of the Swatch Group, having joined in 1983.
This watch has been fully serviced in our on-site workshop and comes with our 12 months, non-waterproof service cover.
What we think
Although this piece is over 70 years old, it has a timeless design that can rarely be found on modern dress watches. It is a watch that looks perfect on both female and male wrists. A classic watch from a well established watch manufacturer and an even better watch . An individual and unique watch with character and stunning patina. If you like watches showing age then look no further!
Spec Stuff
Serial : 8260###
Reference :5697
Movement :Cal 27M Age :1951/1960 Specific Age :1951 Case Size :34mm Case Thickness : 11mm Lug to Lug : 40mm Lugs : 18mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material : Steel Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1951 Longines classic Sei Tacche Watch with Mixed Arrow and Arabic Numerals Model 5697
Although this piece is over 70 years old, it has a timeless design that can rarely be found on modern dress watches. It is a watch that looks perfect on both female and male wrists. A classic watch from a well established watch manufacturer and an even better watch . An individual and unique watch with character and stunning patina. If you like watches showing age then look no further!
