Longines - Conquest - No reserve price - 7290 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This exceptional Longines Conquest represents a brilliant intersection of mid-century elegance and robust Swiss engineering. Distinguished by its highly unusual and visually striking 12 o'clock date placement, this timepiece offers a beautifully balanced dial symmetry rarely seen in vintage dress watches. Beyond its captivating face, the reverse side reveals one of the most celebrated caseback designs in horological history, the intricate gold and blue enamel Longines observatory medallion, preserved here in breathtaking condition. Accompanied by vintage Longines literature and a branded leather pouch, this Conquest is a superb find for the discerning collector seeking both mechanical pedigree and outstanding aesthetic preservation. Brand: Longines Model: Conquest Reference Number: 7290 Serial Number: 25734777 Movement: Automatic, Caliber L633.5, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with applied gold-tone indices and 12 o'clock date, exceptionally clean and well-preserved Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Near-mint condition, outstanding preservation with a flawless or nearly flawless dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial is an absolute masterclass in vintage design, featuring a radiant silver sunburst finish that remains exceptionally clean and vibrant. The focal point is the highly desirable framed date aperture positioned unconventionally at 12 o'clock, allowing for perfect bilateral symmetry. The hour markers are applied, faceted gold-tone wedges that catch the light dynamically, complemented by a meticulously applied Longines winged hourglass logo. The typography is crisp and entirely intact, featuring a serif brand name alongside elegant script for the "Automatic" and "Conquest" designations. Tiny, evenly aged luminous plots sit at the outer edge of the indices, perfectly matching the luminous material present in the sharp gold-tone dauphine hands. A careful inspection reveals no visible spotting, moisture damage, or print loss, leaving this dial in a stunning, near-mint state of preservation. Case and Crystal The 34mm stainless steel case boasts a strong and highly distinctive architecture, characterized by thick, sharply faceted lugs that retain excellent factory definition. The transition between the polished bezel, the faceted lug tops, and the smooth case flanks is crisp and well-defined, showing only the lightest honest handling marks consistent with careful occasional wear. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that sits cleanly above the bezel, offering distortion-free viewing of the dial. The crown is correctly signed with the Longines name and winged hourglass logo. The reverse of the watch is equally impressive, featuring a dodecagonal screw-down caseback centered by the iconic Longines gold and blue enamel medallion depicting stars and waves. This medallion is remarkably intact, displaying brilliant color and sharp relief, while the engraved serial number remains deep and clearly legible along the outer edge. Movement Powering this timepiece is the Longines Caliber L633.5 automatic movement, a 25-jewel Swiss mechanism renowned for its reliability. The movement presents in immaculate visual condition, featuring beautiful Cotes de Geneve striping across the rotor and precise perlage finishing on the base plates. All factory engravings, including the caliber designation and jewel count, are crisp and prominent. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher indicates a deviation of +5 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is currently presented on a handsome black leather strap featuring contrasting white stitching. The strap complements the stainless steel case and silver dial perfectly, providing a refined and comfortable presence on the wrist. Condition This timepiece is graded in near-mint condition, representing an outstanding level of preservation. The dial and hands are extraordinarily clean and free of the common signs of age or environmental damage. The stainless steel case retains sharp, thick lugs and crisp facets, avoiding the softened edges often caused by over-polishing. The enamel caseback medallion is brilliantly preserved, and the movement is visually pristine and mechanically sound. Dimensions Case width is 34 mm (excluding the crown). Remarks This impressive Longines Conquest is accompanied by a vintage "The Longines Style" booklet and a brown Longines-branded leather wallet, adding excellent supplementary value and presentation appeal to this already remarkable vintage package. History The Longines Conquest line was introduced in the 1950s as a flagship collection designed to offer both elegant aesthetics and reliable, waterproof performance. It quickly became a cornerstone of the brand's catalog, favored by professionals and travelers who demanded a watch that could transition seamlessly from formal environments to active daily wear. The prominent gold and enamel medallion on the caseback became a hallmark of the Conquest family, symbolizing the brand's prestigious observatory chronometer testing and its commitment to durable case construction. Today, well-preserved examples featuring unique dial layouts, such as the 12 o'clock date configuration seen here, are highly prized by collectors of mid-century Swiss horology. / Second Vintage SKU: LON-ACX-0001