Longines - Admiral - No reserve price - 8342-2 - Men - 1970

Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Longines Admiral series represents a high-water mark for the brand's mid-century automatic offerings, characterized by robust movements and bold design language. This particular five-star Admiral exemplifies that golden era, boasting a mesmerizing deep blue sunburst dial housed within a quintessential tonneau-shaped stainless steel case. The presence of its original signed mesh bracelet elevates this timepiece from a mere vintage watch to a cohesive, period-perfect statement piece. It is a striking testament to Longines' enduring legacy of combining mechanical reliability with distinctive, elegant styling. Brand: Longines Model: Admiral Reference Number: 8342 Serial Number: 50437818 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 505, 17 Jewels Dial: Deep blue sunburst dial with applied faceted indices, exceptionally clean and vibrant condition Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970 Condition: Excellent vintage condition with sharp case lines and a highly preserved dial Dial and Hands The centerpiece of this Admiral is undoubtedly its striking deep blue sunburst dial, which catches the light beautifully and remains in remarkably clean, vibrant condition. The dial features applied, faceted steel baton indices with black central accents, perfectly matching the original steel baton hands. A framed date aperture sits cleanly at the three o'clock position. The typography is crisp, with the Longines name, applied winged hourglass logo, and "automatic" script positioned below the twelve o'clock marker, while the iconic five applied stars and "ADMIRAL" text proudly anchor the lower half. The dial shows virtually no signs of moisture or spotting, presenting an exceptionally well-preserved face, though minor surface scratches are visible on the crystal above it. Case and Crystal The 35mm stainless steel tonneau case exhibits a strong, unpolished presence with sharp transitions between the brushed upper surfaces and the highly polished case flanks. The lug profile remains crisp, highlighting the watch's authentic factory geometry. A polished bezel secures the domed acrylic crystal, which displays some honest surface scratches and light crazing visible under macro inspection, consistent with its vintage nature. The original Longines signed crown, featuring the winged hourglass logo, sits flush against the case. The screw-down caseback retains deep, legible engravings, including the Longines name and waterproof text, indicating careful wear over the decades. Movement Inside beats the in-house Longines Caliber 505, a robust 17-jewel automatic movement. The movement presents beautifully with bright, clean surfaces and crisp gilt engravings on the rotor, clearly displaying the caliber designation and the serial number 50437818. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. The timegrapher indicates a performance of -55 to -62 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with its original, period-correct stainless steel mesh bracelet, which integrates seamlessly with the tonneau case design. The bracelet features endlinks stamped 8342, matching the inner case reference, and culminates in a fold-over clasp proudly bearing the embossed Longines winged hourglass logo. It comfortably accommodates a wrist size of up to 18cm. Condition This Longines Admiral survives in excellent vintage condition. The case retains strong lines and distinct factory finishing, avoiding the over-polished look common to watches of this era. The blue sunburst dial is a standout, remaining exceptionally clean and free of significant aging, spotting, or damage. The acrylic crystal shows moderate surface scratches that currently provide honest vintage character. The original signed crown and matching mesh bracelet complete a highly collectible package. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures 35 mm in diameter, excluding the signed crown. The integrated lug design and tonneau shape provide a substantial and comfortable presence on the wrist, perfectly suited for the attached mesh bracelet sized for an 18cm wrist. Remarks Five-star Admiral models with vibrant colored dials have become increasingly sought after by collectors who appreciate the bold design ethos of the 1970s. The combination of the deep blue sunburst finish, the sharp tonneau case, and the fully signed mesh bracelet makes this an outstanding example of Longines' mid-century catalog. It is a versatile and striking vintage piece ready for daily enjoyment. History The Admiral line was introduced by Longines in the late 1950s as a premium collection emphasizing robust automatic movements and superior water resistance. The addition of the five stars on the dial was a hallmark of the brand's highest quality standards, symbolizing top-tier accuracy and reliability. By the 1970s, the Admiral collection embraced the era's dynamic styling, adopting tonneau cases and vibrant dials while maintaining the mechanical excellence that had defined the Longines name since its founding in Saint-Imier. / Second Vintage SKU: LON-LAA-0003