Longines - "Art Deco" Cal. 9L [10K GOLD-FILLED] - No reserve price - T563183 - Men - 1900-1949

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This exceptional mid-century Longines embodies the sophisticated elegance of the era, seamlessly blending the streamlined geometry and rich ornamentation characteristic of Art Deco style. The architectural case, with its pronounced stepped lugs, echoes Deco motifs of symmetry and bold linearity, while the graceful use of negative space is reminiscent of the movement’s celebrated design language. Form watches from this period are prized for their distinctive character, and this piece stands out with its intricate case detailing and exquisite, deeply stamped applied Breguet numerals. It is a wonderful representation of Longines’ historical prowess in crafting elegant, reliable, and visually striking timepieces emblematic of the late Art Deco and early modernist period. Brand: Longines Reference Number: T563183 Serial Number: 7300532 Movement: Longines Caliber 9L, 17 Jewels, Manual Winding Dial: Silvered with applied Breguet numerals, showing light patina and minor spotting Case Size: 23 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 10K Gold Filled Production Year: 1940s Condition: Good vintage condition with honest wear and an attractive dial Dial and Hands The dial is a masterclass in vintage elegance, presenting a subtly patinated silvered surface that has aged gracefully over the decades. The stylized applied Breguet numerals not only heighten the sophistication but also reflect Deco-era craftsmanship, playing beautifully with light against the more geometric minute track. A recessed sub-seconds register at six o'clock introduces dimensionality, reinforcing the balanced, architectural layout typical of Art Deco sensibilities. The dial shows minor, age-consistent spotting and a soft overall warmth, free from major moisture damage or heavy staining. The dark stick hands, with their era-appropriate slenderness, offer strong contrast and remain in highly attractive condition, rounding out the classic Deco-inspired aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 23mm rectangular case, crafted from 10K gold-filled material by Wadsworth, is defined by its remarkable stepped and hooded lugs—an unmistakable nod to the era’s Art Deco design language. Crisp lines, sophisticated planes, and structured lugs combine with graceful symmetry, summarizing the precision and decorative boldness that typified the movement. The case flanks and bezel show honest, age-appropriate wear, including superficial scratches and mild softening of the sharper factory lines, yet the overall geometry remains bold and intact. The caseback is clean, clearly bearing the Wadsworth and gold-filled hallmarks alongside the case number. The faceted crystal, designed to echo the stepped case, exhibits minimal wear and offers an authentic window to the dial’s Deco embellishments. The classically proportioned fluted crown is period-correct and ensures easy winding. Movement Powering this timepiece is the esteemed Longines Caliber 9L, a highly regarded 17-jewel manual-winding movement designed specifically for the brand's rectangular and tonneau cases. With architecture finished in linear brushing and crisp gold-filled engravings, the movement carries visual flourishes resonant with the golden age of artful Swiss watchmaking. The serial number 7300532 is prominently displayed, placing the production of this caliber firmly in the 1940s. The movement presents exceptionally well visually, retaining a bright and clean appearance indicative of thoughtful preservation. Strap The watch is paired with a contemporary black leather strap, distinguished by bold yellow contrast stitching that echoes the gold tones of the case. It is completed with a classic gold-tone pin buckle, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist. Condition Good vintage condition. The timepiece presents a highly cohesive and honest aesthetic. The dial is beautifully preserved with only light, natural patina and minor surface specks that do not detract from its charm. The 10K gold-filled case exhibits expected signs of regular use, with light scratches and minor edge wear, but remains structurally sound and visually striking. The manual-winding movement is remarkably clean and well-maintained. Dimensions The case measures 23 mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarks This Longines represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a mechanically sophisticated and aesthetically distinct timepiece from the golden era of Swiss watchmaking. Its stepped architectural case and stylized numerals provide an authentic taste of Art Deco luxury—making for an incredibly charismatic dress watch that stands out in any collection. History Founded in 1832 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, Longines is one of the oldest and most respected names in horology. During the 1930s and 1940s, the brand was at the height of its creative powers, producing an array of beautifully shaped watches that catered to the elegant tastes of the era. The Caliber 9L was introduced as a premium form movement, allowing Longines to create slender, reliable, and highly accurate rectangular watches that competed directly with the finest offerings from other top-tier Swiss houses. / Second Vintage SKU: LON-LXX-0010