Longines Caliber 428 16393469 (1970-1979)

Presented for auction by Second Vintage A classic example of mid-century Swiss watchmaking, this Longines embodies the refined elegance of its era. Featuring a distinctive square cushion case and a minimalist dial layout, this timepiece captures the essence of vintage dress watches. Powered by a beautifully finished in-house Longines manual-winding movement, it offers collectors a chance to own a piece of horological history with genuine vintage character. Brand: Longines Serial Number: 16393469 Movement: Manual winding, Caliber 428 Dial: Silvered vertically brushed dial with applied logo, showing visible spotting and age-related marks Case Size: 30 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Gold-plated with stainless steel caseback Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear Dial and Hands The silvered dial features a subtle vertical brushed texture that catches the light beautifully, complemented by applied black baton indices with gold-tone accents. The Longines signature is crisply printed in a classic serif typography below the twelve o'clock position, accompanied by the iconic applied winged hourglass logo. Black baton hands complete the minimalist aesthetic. A careful inspection of the dial reveals visible age-related spotting, fine speckling, and minor discoloration, particularly around the outer edges and near the center. These marks are clearly visible and represent genuine age-consistent patina, adding a layer of authentic vintage character to the timepiece. Case and Crystal The 30 millimeter square cushion case is rendered in a warm gold-tone finish, featuring a polished bezel and softly angled lugs. The case exhibits honest signs of wear, with light surface scratches and minor softening of the edges consistent with regular use over the decades. The original Longines-signed crown, bearing the winged hourglass logo and brand name, is present and easily operable. The watch is fitted with an acrylic crystal, clear and highly legible, with only faint handling marks visible under close scrutiny. The stainless steel caseback features a brushed finish and proudly displays the engraved case serial number 16393469. Movement Inside the case beats the Longines Caliber 428, a seventeen-jewel manual-winding movement renowned for its robust architecture and reliable performance. The movement is cleanly finished, displaying the caliber designation and the serial number 51398466 clearly engraved on the bridges. Running in vintage operational condition. Maintains the authentic mechanical character of the era. Timegrapher testing indicates a performance of +50 to +59 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with a handsome black leather strap featuring an embossed croco-grain pattern and contrasting yellow stitching. The strap is secured with a matching gold-tone pin buckle, complementing the case perfectly and offering a comfortable fit for daily wear. Condition This Longines is presented in good vintage condition. The case shows normal vintage wear with some softening to the gold-plated surfaces, while the stainless steel caseback remains well-preserved. The dial exhibits clear signs of aging, including visible spotting and patina that confirm its originality. The movement is running and operational, displaying appropriate signs of its vintage nature. Dimensions Case Size: 30 mm (excluding the crown) Remarks This charming Longines dress watch offers a wonderful blend of geometric design and reliable Swiss mechanics. The visible patina on the dial serves as a testament to its journey through time, making it an appealing choice for collectors who appreciate watches with a genuine, lived-in character. History Longines has long been celebrated for its elegant designs and technical prowess. During the mid-twentieth century, the brand produced some of the most refined dress watches on the market, often experimenting with case shapes and minimalist dial layouts. The use of in-house calibers highlights Longines' commitment to quality and precision, solidifying its reputation as a premier Swiss watchmaker during the golden age of mechanical horology. / Second Vintage SKU: LON-LXX-0039