Longines Steel Gents Watch With Date

During World War II, Longines produced wristwatches for the British Ministry of Defense, such as the acclaimed "Greenlander," one of the Dirty Dozen produced by twelve different watch manufactures starting in 1945.

After the war, the manufacture from the “long meadows” stretched its creative and technical muscles, and in the post-war period did exactly that with a series of watches whose sturdy steel cases belied their oftimes elegant constructions. 

The 1950s were a time when many manufactures began to implement new horological innovations and experiment with watch designs. The watches that Longines released following the war reflected the sturdy construction of the Greenlander, but utilized the manufacture’s early automatic wristwatch movements, first released in 1946. From then on, progress was the watchword, and the lines that Longines produced in the 1940s and 1950s bore names like Conquest, Admiral, and Flagship. 

Like the Omega Seamaster, the watches in these lines were known for their waterproof cases. Many of these cases required the use of a special Longines-patented wrench that could only be used to remove the case back--which was reflected in language engraved on the back of the case. Though the motive for this move has been lost to the ages, it nevertheless ensured that the case back wouldn't be tampered with, thus guaranteeing the water-resistance upon which Longines prided itself.

This watch, though ostensibly not part of any of the manufacture's named lines, requires the use of an Admiral 1260 wrench (the model name, Admiral, in fancy script). At 34.5mm it's the perfect size for a vintage dress watch, and is certainly thin, but wears larger due to the beefy lugs. 

Elegant touches like the applied gold hour markers and Longines logo at twelve o'clock (which the brand still uses) give the watch a refined appearance, but the look is fresh and clean and imminently attractive to modern eyes. 

Resonating with a perfect understated style, it suits the thoughtful, fashionable gentleman of today just as well as it did in the 1950s.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.