Longines - Flagship cal. 6651 - No reserve price - 8473 - Men - 1970-1979

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The Longines Flagship has long been a symbol of the brand's commitment to elegance and precision, and this striking tonneau-cased example from the 1970s perfectly captures the architectural design language of its era. Combining a sophisticated vertically brushed dial with a robust, high-beat automatic movement, this timepiece represents a fantastic intersection of mid-century dress watch aesthetics and serious mechanical watchmaking. Its distinctive silhouette and refined proportions make it a highly versatile and compelling choice for the discerning vintage collector. Brand: Longines Model: Flagship Reference Number: 8473 Caseback Serial Number: 16933725 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 6651, 25 Jewels, 28,800 bph Dial: Silver vertically brushed dial with applied black-accented indices, presenting in exceptionally clean and well-preserved condition Case Size: 29 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Excellent vintage condition with sharp case lines and an outstanding dial Dial and Hands The watch features a beautiful silver dial characterized by a pronounced vertical brushing technique that catches the light brilliantly. It is appointed with applied baton indices featuring stark black inserts, which perfectly match the sleek black baton hands to provide excellent legibility. A framed date aperture is positioned at three o'clock, featuring a crisp stepped inner bevel. The dial typography is sharp and fully intact, with the applied Longines winged hourglass logo sitting proudly above the printed brand name and "AUTOMATIC" text, while the sans-serif "FLAGSHIP" designation anchors the lower half. The dial is in stunning vintage condition, appearing remarkably clean and free of any significant moisture damage, staining, or heavy spotting. Only the faintest signs of age are visible under macro inspection, preserving a highly attractive and fresh aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 29 mm stainless steel tonneau case is a superb example of 1970s design, featuring a softly rounded cushion profile. The case retains strong factory geometry, showcasing a beautiful contrast between the vertically brushed upper surfaces and the polished case flanks. The transition between these finishes remains well-defined. The watch is fitted with a signed Longines crown bearing the winged hourglass emblem. The polished snap-on caseback displays the serial number 16933725 cleanly engraved on the exterior, while the interior is properly hallmarked with the reference 8473. The case exhibits honest signs of wear, including light surface scratches and handling marks consistent with its age, but shows no signs of heavy over-polishing. The domed acrylic crystal is clear and provides an undistorted view of the dial beneath. Movement Powering this Flagship is the impressive Longines Caliber 6651, a high-beat automatic movement operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour. The movement is beautifully finished and clearly stamped with the caliber number, 25 jewels, and notes that it is adjusted to four positions and temperature, a testament to Longines' dedication to accuracy during this period. The rotor is handsomely engraved with the Longines name in gold lettering. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher indicates a rate of -52s to -58s/day. Strap The watch is paired with a period correct dark blue leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern and contrasting blue stitching. The strap is secured with a stainless steel pin buckle and complements the cool silver and black tones of the dial and case perfectly. Condition This Longines Flagship is presented in excellent vintage condition. The dial is exceptionally well-preserved, standing out as a major highlight of the piece. The stainless steel case retains its original brushed and polished surfaces with normal, honest wear and light scratches throughout. The movement is clean and operational, and the overall presentation is highly attractive for a vintage dress watch of this era. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 29 mm in width, excluding the signed crown. Remarks With its distinctive tonneau case, high-beat adjusted movement, and incredibly clean dial, this Longines Flagship is a superb vintage dress watch. It offers a sophisticated presence on the wrist and serves as a testament to the brand's golden era of mechanical watchmaking. This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a timepiece that balances bold 1970s design with timeless elegance. History Introduced in the late 1950s, the Longines Flagship line was created to be the brand's premier collection of elegant, highly accurate timepieces. The name itself invokes the image of the commanding vessel of a naval fleet, symbolizing leadership and excellence. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the Flagship evolved to incorporate new case shapes and advanced high-beat movements, adapting to the changing tastes of the era while maintaining its core identity as a sophisticated gentleman's watch. Today, vintage Flagship models are highly respected by collectors for their exceptional build quality, elegant designs, and the historical significance of Longines' in-house and highly refined calibers. / Second Vintage SKU: LON-FXX-0001