Longines - Flagship - No reserve price - 8416 4 - Men - 1973

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This elegant 1970s Longines Flagship represents a distinct era of Swiss design, moving away from traditional round cases to a more geometric and architectural aesthetic. With its square stainless steel profile and sophisticated vertically brushed dial, this timepiece offers a refined presence on the wrist that balances mid-century modernism with dress watch elegance. Powered by the reliable manual-wind Caliber 428, this Flagship is a testament to Longines' enduring quality and style during a transformative decade in watchmaking history. Brand: Longines Model: Flagship Reference Number: 8416 4 Serial Number: 51717697 Movement: Manual Wind Caliber 428 Dial: Silver vertically brushed with crosshair Case Size: 30 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch shows honest signs of age, particularly on the dial periphery, while the case retains strong lines and the movement is functioning. Timegrapher testing indicates a rate of +45 to +48 seconds per day, suggesting a movement that is operational for its age. Dial and Hands The dial features a stunning silver tone with a vertical brushed finish that catches the light beautifully. A distinctive black printed crosshair divides the dial, adding a technical and precise aesthetic. The applied baton hour markers are slim and polished, matching the slender stick hands. There is visible patina and aging present, primarily concentrated on the left side of the dial between the 7 and 10 o'clock positions, which adds to the authentic vintage character of the piece. The "Flagship" script at the bottom remains crisp and legible. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a square "TV-screen" inspired shape with integrated style lugs that provide a seamless transition to the strap. The case measures 30mm in width, which wears slightly larger due to the square geometry. The surfaces show normal signs of wear consistent with age, including light scratches and scuffs, but the case edges remain defined. The crown is original and signed with the Longines name and logo. The crystal is in presentable condition with no major cracks that obscure legibility. Movement Inside beats the Longines Caliber 428, a high-quality manual wind movement containing 17 jewels. The movement bridges are clean and the serial number 51717697 is clearly visible, allowing for precise dating to the early 1970s. The mechanism is operating within vintage tolerances. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring an alligator-style grain pattern. It is finished with a silver-tone pin buckle. The strap is in used but wearable condition and complements the dressy nature of the square case. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the dial shows visible patina and aging spots on the left side, the overall structure of the watch is sound. The stainless steel case is unpolished with honest wear. The movement is running and functional. Dimensions The case width is 30 mm excluding the crown. The lug-to-lug length ensures a comfortable fit on a variety of wrist sizes, making it a classic unisex option by modern standards. Remarks This Longines Flagship is a charming example of 1970s design language, offering a sophisticated alternative to the common round dress watch. The crosshair dial and brushed texture are particularly desirable details for collectors of vintage Longines. History The Flagship collection was introduced by Longines in 1957 as a premium line intended to represent the brand's highest standards of precision and elegance. By the 1970s, the collection evolved to embrace the geometric shapes and bolder designs of the era. This specific reference from 1973 showcases how Longines successfully adapted its classical heritage to suit the changing tastes of the 1970s, utilizing the slim and reliable Caliber 428 to maintain a sleek profile. / Second Vintage SKU: LON-LFX-0009