Longines - Flagship - No reserve price - 52077498 - Men - 1970-1979

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This exceptional Longines Flagship captures the quintessential elegance of 1970s watchmaking, seamlessly blending geometric case design with sophisticated textures. During an era defined by bold stylistic experimentation, Longines adapted its most prestigious dress watch line into this striking tonneau profile. The combination of a vertically brushed silver dial and an integrated-style Milanese mesh bracelet creates a cohesive, monochromatic aesthetic that feels incredibly refined on the wrist. This timepiece represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire a highly original, beautifully preserved example of mid-century Swiss design from one of the most historically significant watchmakers. Brand: Longines Model: Flagship Serial Number: 52077498 Movement: Automatic Caliber 6651 Dial: Vertically brushed silver dial, exceptionally clean with no visible flaws, spots, or marks Case Size: 29 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Stunning vintage condition with an immaculately preserved dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The dial is a masterclass in texture and mid-century restraint, featuring a striking vertical brushed finish that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with applied, faceted silver-tone baton hour markers, each detailed with a central black insert for enhanced legibility. The applied Longines winged hourglass logo sits proudly below the twelve o'clock position. The typography is crisp and precise, utilizing a classic serif font for the Longines name, contrasted by a clean sans-serif font for the "AUTOMATIC" and "FLAGSHIP" text. A framed date aperture at three o'clock features a stepped silver border, adding depth to the layout. The matching baton hands also feature black inserts, completing the cohesive visual language. Crucially, the dial is in stunning condition. A careful inspection reveals an exceptionally clean surface with no visible spots, stains, moisture marks, scratches, or print loss, representing a remarkable level of preservation. Case and Crystal The stainless steel tonneau-shaped case exemplifies 1970s architectural watch design. The upper face of the case features a heavy, factory-correct vertical brushing that perfectly echoes the dial texture. This brushed surface transitions sharply and definitively into the highly polished case flanks, demonstrating excellent edge retention and crisp geometry. The original signed crown is present, clearly stamped with the Longines winged hourglass emblem. The polished caseback features a circular brushed center medallion and is engraved with the case number 16822736. The crystal protecting the dial is clean and clear, presenting no distracting flaws. The case remains in excellent vintage condition, showing only light, honest handling marks and superficial hairline scratches consistent with careful wear, while maintaining its original structural integrity. Movement Powering this Flagship is the Longines Caliber 6651 automatic movement, a 25-jewel mechanism renowned for its reliability. The movement is beautifully finished, featuring perlage on the base plates and a brushed rotor clearly signed with the Longines name. Close inspection confirms the caliber stamping and the serial number 52077498, which aids in dating the timepiece. Visually, the movement presents exceptionally well, with clean surfaces and intact screw heads. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era, recording +50 to +57 seconds per day on the timegrapher. Strap The watch is fitted with its original stainless steel mesh bracelet, a defining characteristic of this era's luxury timepieces. The originality is confirmed by the clearly visible Longines branding and winged hourglass logo engraved on the folding clasp, as well as the "4052" stamping at the attachment points. The mesh is in wonderful condition, remaining fluid and comfortable without any severe kinks or structural damage, seamlessly continuing the polished and brushed aesthetic of the case. Condition This Longines Flagship is graded in stunning vintage condition. The dial is the undeniable highlight, remaining virtually flawless and free of the aging issues often seen in watches of this vintage. The case retains strong, well-defined lines and factory finishes, exhibiting only normal, light signs of use. The presence of the original signed crown and the fully branded original mesh bracelet elevates this piece significantly, making it a highly complete and collector-grade package. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 29 mm in width, excluding the signed crown. The integrated-style mesh bracelet is easily adjustable and will accommodate a wrist size of up to 19 cm. Remarks Finding a 1970s tonneau watch with this level of dial preservation and its original, fully signed Milanese bracelet is becoming increasingly difficult. The vertical brushing on both the dial and the case creates a unified, architectural look that feels both vintage and timelessly stylish. This Flagship is a superb choice for the collector seeking a distinctive, highly original dress watch with serious horological pedigree and undeniable wrist presence. History Introduced in 1957, the Flagship collection was positioned as the ultimate expression of Longines' elegance and technical prowess. The line quickly became a favorite among discerning clients who demanded both precision and sophisticated styling. As watch design evolved into the late 1960s and 1970s, Longines adapted the Flagship to reflect the bold, geometric trends of the era without losing its luxurious identity. This tonneau-cased model, complete with its fluid mesh bracelet, perfectly encapsulates that transitional era, proving that the Flagship name could seamlessly carry its legacy of refinement into a new decade of modern design. / Second Vintage SKU: LON-FAX-0001