Longines Admiral 1200 11890528 (1962)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This exceptional Longines Admiral 1200 dates back to the early 1960s and represents the golden era of Longines watchmaking. Distinguished by its striking "Admiral 1200" caseback medallion and the highly regarded in-house Caliber 340 movement, this timepiece combines technical prowess with elegant mid-century design. The clean aesthetic and well-preserved condition make it a standout choice for collectors of fine vintage dress watches. Brand: Longines Model: Admiral 1200 Serial Number: 11890528 Movement: Automatic Caliber 340 Dial: Silver sunburst with applied numerals Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1962 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with a remarkably clean dial and a sharp, unpolished appearance to the case medallion. Dial and Hands The watch features a beautiful silver sunburst dial that has been preserved in excellent condition. It is adorned with applied silver-tone even Arabic numerals and faceted wedge indices, creating a sophisticated visual rhythm. The dial is signed with the applied Longines winged hourglass logo and "Automatic Admiral" script. The original silver-tone baton hands are clean and include a central sweep seconds hand. The lume plots have aged to a warm, consistent tone, adding to the vintage charm. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case measures 33mm in diameter and features straight, refined lugs that sit comfortably on the wrist. A highlight of this specific model is the screw-down caseback, which bears the impressive "Admiral 1200" relief featuring an eagle and anchor stars. This medallion remains crisp and detailed, indicating the watch has seen careful usage over the decades. The acrylic crystal is clear and free of significant marks. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Longines Caliber 340, a high-grade 17-jewel automatic movement known for its eccentric rotor design and robust construction. The movement is clean and presents well visually. Timegrapher testing indicates the watch is running within vintage tolerances, showing a deviation of approximately -26 to -30 seconds per day, which suggests a healthy mechanism for a watch of this vintage. Strap The watch is fitted with a classic black leather strap that complements the silver tones of the case and dial. It is secured by a steel pin buckle featuring the Longines winged hourglass emblem, completing the vintage presentation. Condition This timepiece is in excellent vintage condition. The dial shows minimal signs of aging, retaining its bright sunburst finish. The case edges are distinct, and while there are minor surface handling marks consistent with age, there are no deep scratches or significant dings. The caseback engraving is particularly sharp, preserving the collectible Admiral 1200 branding. Dimensions The case diameter is 33 mm excluding the crown. The lug-to-lug length ensures a proportionate fit on most wrist sizes, embodying the classic dress watch dimensions of the 1960s. Remarks The Longines Admiral 1200 is a significant model in the brand's history, showcasing their ability to produce robust automatic watches with dress-watch elegance. The combination of the Caliber 340 movement and the distinctive eagle medallion caseback makes this a highly collectible piece. It is a wonderful example of 1962 production that is ready to be worn or added to a curated collection. History Longines introduced the Admiral line as a testament to precision and durability, often associated with water-resistant cases and superior automatic movements. During the 1950s and 60s, Longines was a direct competitor to brands like Omega and Rolex, producing in-house movements of exceptional quality. The Caliber 340 used in this watch is a prime example of that engineering heritage, representing a time when Longines was at the peak of Swiss mechanical watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: LON-LAX-0010