On the outside this looks like a well designed ,sleek , quality minimalist longines Admirial watch in stainless steel! Hf likely referring to " High Frequency" 28,800 BPH escapment This watch actually hides a cool secret! A feature i was unaware of until now even after 26 years on the bench! pull the crown into the hand setting position and the seconds will Hack (stop) at the 12 oclock position enabling accurate synchronisation of the second hand to a time signal or another watch. the user can then push the crown back in upon a time signal or when synchronising to another timepiece and the seconds hand will start immediately. A pretty cool mechanical feature which incorporates a hacking arm or lever which engages with the stem and activates a hook fitted to the train wheels. A simple system but still quite complicated in watchmaking terms.
So back to the exterior - a tonneau style case longer than it is wide with satin burst case grain and polished , faceted shoulders . The case looks to be unpolished with its original sharp finish, Then we have the beautiful all stainless steel Swiss made NSA bracelet which was likely fitted on request from the original buyer in stock back in the 1970s. These high end bracelets would have been stoked by retailers to give customers a quality option alternative to the supplied leather. Nsa bracelets are unmatched in quality in our opinion , each link removable assuring the ultimate comfortable fit.
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.
What we think
Longines are so underrated when it comes to watchmaking & innovation. When you look at the history and the massive range of inhouse calibers they produced , they really were one of the best. This simple understated watch has great design , heritage and mechanical innovation along with being just a great looking piece.
Spec Stuff
Serial : 51106975
Reference : 2301
Movement : Manual Wind Cal. 6942 Age :1971/1980 Specific Age : Circa 1973 Case Size : 34mm Case Thickness : 10mm Lug to Lug : 40mm Lugs : 18mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material : Stainless Steel Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1973 circa Longines Admiral HF Ref. 2301 -1 steel vintage wristwatch on rare fitted NSA bracelet
