We love this understated, classic Longines case style! The scalloped lugs and clean lines lead to the most striking and distinctive unintentional feature of this timepiece is its incredibly unique and beautifully aged dial. Over the decades, the original laquer finish has developed a captivating patina that we affectionately describe as the "Crème Brûlée" effect—resembling the mottled, caramelized sugar top of the classic dessert.
This specific texture and coloring, ranging from rich caramel to warm, creamy tones, is not the result of moisture intrusion, neglect, or corrosive damage. We understand why some might mistake this appearance for signs of wear; however, based on our professional experience and thorough examination, this exceptional aging is the result of a very specific combination of environmental factors:
Intense Heat & Humidity
Prolonged, Strong Sunlight/UV Exposure
We have meticulously inspected this watch. Absolutely no corrosion is evident on the reverse side of the dial, the movement, or the inside of the case. Furthermore, the hands remain in very good condition, which would typically not be the case if moisture had entered the watch.
This "Crème Brûlée" patina is a testament to the watch's history and its life in a particular, hot, and humid climate. It is a rare and stable chemical reaction where environmental elements have interacted with the dial's original lacquer, creating a one-of-a-kind finish that makes this watch a truly unique piece of wearable history. It is a look sought after by collectors who value authenticity and dials that tell a story.
The 35.5mm elegant 3 piece case has design to the lugs, stainless steel, snap-back case and houses the manual wind, Longines caliber 12.68z. which is running like a dream.
Extra Points
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.
The watch has been fully serviced by our on-site workshop as standard and comes with our 12 months service cover
What we think
When this Longines arrived in our shop, it immediately stood out. While the "Crème Brûlée" dial will be the first thing to catch your eye, the real appeal of this piece is how flawlessly it combines historic significance with modern wearability.
For a watch produced in the 1950s, its case offers a superb size—it sits perfectly on the wrist, offering a substantial yet classic presence that feels entirely contemporary.
Beyond the visuals, the engine driving this watch holds a special place in horological history. It houses one of the finest manual-wind Longines calibers ever produced. This very movement architecture was used in the legendary WWII "Dirty Dozen" military watches and the famed "Greenlander" models, cementing its reputation for rugged reliability and precision.
This is more than just a watch; it's an individual statement. You get the best of both worlds: a highly respected, historically significant movement paired with an utterly unique aesthetic that guarantees no one else in the room will be wearing anything quite like it. It is ready to be worn and admired.
Movement : Cal. 12.68z, 17 jewels Age :1951/1960 Specific Age :1953 Case Size :35mm Case Thickness : 12mm Lug to Lug : 42mm Lugs : 18mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : no Case Material : Stainless Steel Service History : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1953 Longines classic Manual Wind 35.5mm Wristwatch Model 7035-2 with renown Cal 12.68z
