Longines - Flagship cal. 6651 - No reserve price - 8473 - Men - 1974

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This is an exceptional example of 1970s design elegance from one of the most respected Swiss manufacturers. This Longines Flagship reference 8473 captures the transition from classic mid-century styling to the bolder geometric forms of the 1970s with its distinctive cushion-shaped case, often referred to as a "TV-screen" design. Featuring a high-grade movement adjusted to four positions and a spectacular vertically brushed dial, this timepiece offers a sophisticated aesthetic that remains distinctive and highly wearable today. Brand: Longines Model: Flagship Reference Number: 8473 Serial Number: 52242708 Movement: Automatic Caliber 6651 Dial: Silver vertically brushed Case Size: 29 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Stunning vintage condition with timegrapher results of +36 to +38 seconds per day, which indicates a healthy movement offering reliable vintage performance. Dial and Hands The silver dial is preserved in remarkable condition and features a striking vertically brushed texture that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied black baton indices that provide excellent contrast against the silver background. The handset is finished in matching black, ensuring legibility and maintaining the sleek monochromatic look. The dial is signed with the applied winged hourglass logo and the Flagship script at the six o'clock position. A date window is positioned at three o'clock, framed in polished metal. Case and Crystal The stainless steel cushion-shaped case is in excellent condition, retaining sharp factory lines and defined edges. The brushed finish on the top surface of the bezel contrasts elegantly with the polished sides. The case measures 29mm in width, but due to the square geometry, it wears with a significant presence on the wrist similar to a larger round watch. The winding crown is original and signed with the Longines logo. The caseback is clean and displays the serial number clearly on the exterior. Movement Powering this timepiece is the high-grade Longines Automatic Caliber 6651. This 25-jewel movement is a testament to Longines' engineering quality from the era, featuring adjustments to four positions and temperature, a specification usually reserved for chronometer-grade watches. The movement is clean, visually pristine, and running with a strong amplitude. Strap The watch is fitted with a new black leather strap featuring contrasting brown stitching, which complements the black accents on the dial and adds a sporty touch to the elegant case. Condition This timepiece is in stunning vintage condition. The dial is virtually flawless, showing no visible signs of aging or oxidation. The case retains its original geometry with only very minor handling marks consistent with careful storage. The movement is clean and the timegrapher results indicate it is mechanically sound. Dimensions The case measures 29mm in width excluding the crown. Due to the square shape, the watch commands a wrist presence larger than the millimeter dimensions suggest, offering a classic and refined fit suitable for formal or casual wear. Remarks The Longines Flagship reference 8473 is a wonderful representation of the brand's ability to adapt to changing design trends while maintaining superior mechanical standards. The combination of the vertically brushed dial and the adjusted high-beat movement makes this a collector-grade piece that offers both visual appeal and horological substance. History Longines introduced the Flagship collection in 1957 to serve as a premium line within their catalog, characterized by a medallion of a caravel ship on the caseback in many iterations. By the 1970s, the collection evolved to embrace the era's fascination with non-traditional case shapes, resulting in geometric designs like this reference. Longines remains one of the oldest registered watch brands in the world, renowned for their precision timing and elegant designs throughout the 20th century. / Second Vintage SKU: LON-LFX-0008