Longines Admiral Five Star 2946-507 (1973)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This distinctive Longines Admiral Five Star is a charming example of 1970s watch design, combining a robust automatic movement with an elegant cushion-shaped case. Notable for its "5 Star" dial designation, which signified a high-grade model within the Longines lineup, this piece features a classic silver sunburst dial and a gold-filled case. The caseback bears a touching personal engraving dated Christmas 1976, adding a layer of unique history and provenance to the timepiece. Brand: Longines Model: Admiral Five Star "10k-GOLD FILLED" [Historic Engraving] Reference Number: 2946-507 Serial Number: 51391899 Movement: Automatic Caliber 508 Dial: Silver Sunburst Case Size: 31 mm Case Material: 10k Gold Filled Production Year: 1973 Condition: Good vintage condition. The watch presents an honest aesthetic with visible history on the case, offset by a beautifully preserved dial, creating a character-rich vintage presence. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is in excellent condition, retaining a bright and consistent finish that catches the light beautifully. It features applied gold baton hour markers with black inlays, giving the face a sharp, legible contrast. The matching gold baton hands are clean and correct for the reference. The applied Longines winged hourglass logo and the iconic five stars at the 6 o'clock position remain crisp. A framed day-date window is positioned at 3 o'clock, with the date numerals displaying a classic font. Case and Crystal The cushion-shaped case is crafted from 10k gold-filled metal, as stamped on the inner caseback. The case exhibits normal signs of vintage wear, including surface scratches and scuffs consistent with its age and use. The lines of the case remain distinct, though some softening of the edges is visible. The crown is signed with the Longines logo. The acrylic crystal is generally clear, allowing for an unobstructed view of the dial. A unique feature is the personal engraving on the stainless steel caseback which reads "LOVE ALWAYS ROSE 12-25-76," anchoring the watch to a specific moment in history. Movement Powering the watch is the Longines Caliber 508, a high-quality in-house automatic movement with 17 jewels. This mechanism features a day and date complication and is known for its reliability. The movement is clean and the rotor is signed with the Longines name. Based on the provided timegrapher data, the watch is currently running with a deviation of approximately +45-52 seconds per day, indicating it is functioning and decent running movement. Strap The watch is fitted with a reddish-brown leather strap featuring an embossed alligator pattern and matching stitching. The strap is in good condition and complements the warm tones of the gold-filled case. It is secured by a gold-tone pin buckle. Condition This timepiece is in good vintage condition. While the case shows expected wear and surface marks from decades of enjoyment, the dial remains remarkably well-preserved, free from significant spotting or degradation. The movement is running, and the overall presentation is that of an honest, unpolished survivor. Dimensions The case measures 31 mm in width excluding the crown. Due to the cushion shape design, the watch wears slightly larger than the raw dimensions might suggest, offering a classic mid-century profile on the wrist. Remarks The Longines Admiral 5 Star series represents a golden era of Longines watchmaking, where robust engineering met elegant design. The presence of the original 508 caliber and the specific 1976 gift engraving make this not just a watch, but a piece of personal history. It is a fantastic entry point for collectors appreciating the distinct style of the 1970s. History Longines, founded in Saint-Imier in 1832, has long been a pillar of the Swiss watch industry, famous for its aviator watches and chronographs. The "Admiral" line was introduced in the late 1950s as a collection of water-resistant, automatic watches. By the 1970s, the "5 Star" designation was used to highlight top-tier models within the Admiral collection, symbolizing precision and quality comparable to a general's rank. This specific example, produced in the early 1970s and gifted in 1976, showcases the brand's transition into bold, geometric designs typical of the decade. / Second Vintage SKU: LON1YTCJNG000