Longines - Admiral - No reserve price - 8182-2-A - Men - 1968

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Longines Admiral series stands as a testament to the brand's mid-century dedication to robust, high-quality automatic timepieces. With its distinctive five-star dial marking and reliable in-house mechanics, this watch captures the essence of a golden era in Swiss watchmaking, offering collectors a piece that is as historically significant as it is visually captivating. Brand: Longines Model: Admiral Reference Number: 8182-2-A Serial Number: 14403391 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 503 Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices, showing visible edge patina Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1968 Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and attractive aging Dial and Hands The dial is a striking silver sunburst, featuring applied faceted indices with contrasting black central channels that complement the black baton hands. The applied Longines text and iconic winged hourglass sit proudly below the twelve o'clock position, while the distinctive five applied stars and printed Admiral text are positioned at nine o'clock. A framed day and date aperture rests at three o'clock, displaying the day in black and the date in striking red typography. The dial exhibits a fine vertical brushing effect, catching the light beautifully. Condition wise, the dial presents an honest vintage character, showing noticeable spotting and patina, primarily concentrated along the outer edge near the nine o'clock position. The hands remain well preserved, maintaining their stark contrast against the metallic background. Case and Crystal The 35 mm stainless steel case exemplifies classic mid-century proportions, featuring a smoothly polished bezel and robust lugs with brushed upper surfaces and polished flanks. The transition between the brushed and polished areas remains distinct, indicating careful preservation. The original Longines signed crown, bearing the brand name and winged hourglass logo, is present and sharply defined. The screw down caseback features a distinctive decagonal design, engraved with Longines Waterproof Antimagnetic Shock Absorber Swiss Made, showing expected surface scratches and wear consistent with age. The interior is properly stamped with the reference number 8182-2-A. A high-domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, presenting clearly with only minor surface wear. Movement Powering this Admiral is the Longines in-house Caliber 503, a seventeen jewel automatic movement. The movement is beautifully finished and features a prominent rotor signed with the Longines name and logo. The serial number 14403391 is clearly engraved on the mainplate, alongside the caliber designation. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher results indicate a performance of +30 to +32 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a period correct black leather strap featuring a crocodile embossed pattern, complementing the formal yet sporty nature of the Admiral line. Condition This Longines Admiral is in good vintage condition. The stainless steel case retains strong lines and honest signs of wear, free from major localized damage. The dial silver sunburst finish remains attractive, though it clearly displays age consistent spotting and patina, particularly around the outer perimeter. The signed crown and clearly engraved caseback add to its collectible appeal. The movement is clean and operational. Dimensions Case Size: 35 mm excluding the crown. Remarks The Longines Admiral line with the five star designation represents a high point in the brand mid-century automatic offerings. This particular example, with its day and date complication and asymmetrical dial layout featuring the stars at nine o'clock, offers a fantastic blend of everyday utility and distinct vintage charm. History Longines introduced the Admiral family as a robust and high-quality line of automatic watches designed for both precision and durability. The inclusion of the five stars on the dial was the brand way of denoting top tier quality and reliability within their collections. During the 1960s, Longines was still producing exceptional in-house calibers, and the Admiral series benefited from these robust mechanical foundations, making them highly respected among enthusiasts of mid-century Swiss watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: LON-AXD-0001