Longines - "Crosshair Dial" - No reserve price - 7686 3 - Men - 1966

Now available at auction from Second Vintage This exceptional Longines timepiece from the mid-1960s represents the pinnacle of modernist Swiss design. With its distinctive square silhouette and vertically brushed crosshair dial, it embodies a sophisticated aesthetic that sets it apart from traditional round dress watches of the era. Powered by the highly regarded manual wind Caliber 428, this watch is not only a style statement but a piece of horological history, offering a crisp and elegant presence on the wrist that remains timelessly stylish. Brand: Longines Reference Number: 7686 3 Serial Number: 13532554 Movement: Manual Wind Caliber 428 Dial: Silver Vertically Brushed Crosshair Case Size: 30 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1966 Condition: Stunning vintage condition Dial and Hands The dial is the highlight of this timepiece, featuring a stunning vertically brushed silver finish that plays beautifully with the light. It showcases a crisp black crosshair design that divides the face into quadrants, providing a balanced and technical look. The applied stick indices are sleek and minimalist, perfectly complementing the slender black baton hands. The applied winged hourglass Longines logo at the twelve o'clock position adds a touch of depth and luxury to the otherwise restrained design. The dial surface appears exceptionally well preserved. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a cushion-shaped square design measuring 30mm in width, which offers a substantial presence on the wrist due to its geometry. The upper surface of the case displays the original brushed finish, while the sides are polished, creating an attractive contrast. The edges remain sharp and defined, indicating careful ownership over the decades. The original crown, signed with the Longines logo and grid pattern, is present and functions correctly. The crystal is clear and free of distracting marks. Movement Inside beats the reliable Longines Caliber 428, a high-quality 17-jewel manual wind movement known for its durability and slim profile. The movement bridges are clean and the serial number 13532554 dates the production specifically to 1966. This example is running within vintage tolerances, offering reliable vintage performance. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. The strap is in excellent condition and complements the monochrome aesthetic of the dial and case, offering a sporty yet dressy look suitable for various occasions. Condition This timepiece is in stunning vintage condition. The dial is pristine with no visible spotting or patina, maintaining a fresh factory-like appearance. The case retains its original finishing with only very minor handling marks consistent with careful storage. The movement is clean and the overall presentation is collector-grade. Dimensions The case measures 30mm in width excluding the crown. Due to the square shape, it wears larger than a round watch of the same diameter, offering a classic vintage dress watch profile that sits comfortably and discreetly under a shirt cuff. Remarks This Longines Reference 7686 is a superb example of 1960s design language, moving away from the ornate styles of the 50s into the cleaner, geometric lines of the modern era. The crosshair dial is a sought-after feature among collectors, adding visual interest to the minimalist face. It is a sophisticated choice for the enthusiast who values condition and distinct design. History Longines has been a pillar of the Swiss watch industry since 1832, known for their elegance and technical precision. In the 1960s, the brand produced some of their most iconic dress watches, often utilizing slim manual wind movements like the Caliber 428 found in this example. This specific caliber was a testament to Longines' ability to manufacture high-grade in-house movements that allowed for thinner, more elegant case designs during a golden age of mechanical watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: LON-LXX-0011