Longines - Caliber 280 - No reserve price - 7159-2 - Men - 1960

Presented for auction by Second Vintage This classic Longines from 1960 perfectly encapsulates the golden era of mid-century Swiss watchmaking. Featuring a highly desirable crosshair dial and an exceptionally sharp stainless steel case, this timepiece represents the understated elegance and mechanical excellence that defined Longines during this period. Powered by the robust in-house Caliber 280, it offers vintage enthusiasts a sophisticated dress watch with genuine historical character and enduring style. Brand: Longines Reference Number: 7159-2 Serial Number: 11963138 Movement: Manual winding, Caliber 280, 17 jewels Dial: Silver sunburst dial with crosshair motif, applied indices, showing honest vintage patina and spotting Case Size: 35 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1960 Condition: Good vintage condition with an attractive, evenly patinated dial and sharp case lines Dial and Hands The watch features a striking silver sunburst dial characterized by a delicate black printed crosshair design that divides the display into precise quadrants. The hours are marked by applied faceted baton indices, with a prominent double baton positioned at twelve o'clock, sitting just below the applied Longines winged hourglass logo. The dial exhibits honest vintage aging, displaying scattered spotting and a warm, even patina across the surface that speaks to its history. The outer minute track is punctuated by luminous plots that have gracefully aged to a dark, earthy tone. The faceted dauphine hands retain their original luminous strips, which have similarly darkened and show degradation consistent with the age of the timepiece. Case and Crystal The well-proportioned 35mm stainless steel case is a standout feature of this watch, presenting in remarkably crisp condition. The straight lugs are notably sharp, retaining their strong factory chamfers and clear transitions between the brushed sides and polished upper surfaces. A smoothly polished bezel frames the dial, adding a touch of refined contrast. The watch is fitted with its original Longines signed crown, distinctly displaying the brand name and winged hourglass logo. The screw-down caseback is clearly engraved with waterproof, antimagnetic, and shock-absorber designations, maintaining deep and legible text. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial, offering clear visibility with only minor superficial wear. Movement Inside the case beats the Longines Caliber 280, a beautifully engineered manual-winding movement renowned for its reliable architecture. The movement presents very cleanly, showcasing gold-tone chatons and crisp engravings, including the Longines signature, the 17 jewels designation, and the serial number 11963138. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. The timegrapher indicates a performance of -25 to -30 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a sophisticated dark blue alligator-grain leather strap, secured by a polished stainless steel tang buckle. The strap perfectly complements the vintage aesthetic of the silver dial and remains in excellent condition with minimal signs of wear. Condition This Longines is in good vintage condition. The case is exceptionally well-preserved, boasting sharp lines and distinct lug bevels that are rarely seen intact on watches of this age. The dial shows noticeable, age-consistent patina, spotting, and darkened luminous material, which adds authentic vintage character without compromising the overall legibility or charm of the piece. The movement is clean and operational, and the original signed crown operates smoothly. Dimensions Case width: 35 mm (excluding crown). Remarks A quintessential 1960s Longines dress watch that combines a beautifully patinated crosshair dial with an exceptionally sharp stainless steel case. The presence of the original signed crown and the reliable in-house Caliber 280 ensures it remains a dependable and stylish companion for the discerning collector looking for authentic vintage character. History During the mid-twentieth century, Longines was at the absolute height of its manufacturing prowess, producing some of the most elegant and mechanically impressive timepieces in the world. The Caliber 280 era represents a sweet spot for vintage collectors, offering robust in-house movements housed in beautifully proportioned, timeless cases. Watches like this crosshair dial variant showcase the brand's dedication to refined aesthetics, precision engineering, and the enduring appeal of classic Swiss watchmaking. / Second Vintage SKU: LON-LXX-0038