Longines - Admiral "10K GOLD-FILLED" - 2949-503 - Men - 1968

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This is a remarkable example of the Longines Admiral "Five Star," a model that exemplifies the golden era of mid-century Swiss horology. Produced specifically for the American market through the historic Longines-Wittnauer partnership, this timepiece features a robust front-loading monobloc case manufactured by the renowned Star Watch Case Company. With its commanding 37mm diameter and a distinctive engine-turned bezel, this watch offers a wrist presence that feels modern yet deeply rooted in vintage elegance. The unique combination of the "Five Star" dial branding and the preserved condition makes this a rare and highly collectible find for the discerning enthusiast. Brand: Longines Model: Admiral Reference Number: 2949-503 Serial Number: 14359145 (Movement), 6243007 (Case) Movement: Automatic Caliber 503 Dial: Champagne vertically brushed Case Size: 37 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 10k Gold Filled Cap over Stainless Steel Production Year: 1968 Condition: Stunning vintage condition with a pristine dial, sharp case preservation, and healthy mechanical performance. Dial and Hands The champagne dial is preserved in exceptional condition, featuring a sophisticated vertical brushed texture that catches the light beautifully. It is adorned with the iconic five applied stars above the Admiral signature, a symbol of the model's high-grade status. The applied baton indices are gold-toned with black inserts, perfectly matching the central hands for high legibility. A day-date window is positioned at three o'clock, framed in gold, adding practical utility to this elegant dress watch. The tritium plots remain intact and have aged to a warm, consistent tone. Case and Crystal The case is a standout feature of this reference, measuring a substantial 37mm which is oversized for the era. It utilizes a monobloc front-loading design stamped "Use 1260 Wrench," manufactured by the Star Watch Case Company for Longines-Wittnauer. The bezel features a striking engine-turned "fluted" texture that remains crisp and defined. The case construction consists of a robust stainless steel base with a thick 10k gold-filled cap, ensuring the gold finish has survived the decades without wearing through. The acrylic crystal is clear and free of distracting marks, allowing an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the high-grade Longines Caliber 503 automatic movement. This 17-jewel mechanism is a testament to Longines' engineering prowess, featuring a bi-directional winding rotor and a push-crown quickset date function (if applicable to this specific iteration of the 503, otherwise standard setting). The movement is signed Longines and features the Star Watch Case Co. stamps on the inside caseback along with the specific case number 6243007. The watch is running within vintage tolerances, with timegrapher results indicating a reliable -10 to -12 seconds per day with strong amplitude. Strap The watch is fitted with a high-quality brown leather strap featuring an alligator grain pattern that complements the gold tones of the case perfectly. It is secured by a gold-tone buckle featuring the applied Longines winged hourglass logo, completing the vintage aesthetic with a touch of brand authenticity. Condition This timepiece is in stunning vintage condition. The dial is virtually flawless, retaining its original factory finish with no visible staining or damage. The case retains its original sharp lines, particularly on the complex bezel texture, with only very minor handling marks consistent with careful storage. The gold filling shows no signs of brassing or wear-through. The movement is clean, corrosion-free, and performing reliably. Dimensions With a diameter of 37mm excluding the crown, the watch wears significantly larger than most dress watches from the late 1960s, offering a contemporary fit on the wrist. The lug width provides a balanced stance, making it versatile for various strap options. Remarks This Longines Admiral represents a specific moment in history where the Swiss manufacturer collaborated closely with Wittnauer to capture the American luxury market. The "Five Star" Admiral was marketed as a superior automatic timepiece, and the quality of the Star W.C. Co. case construction confirms this positioning. Finding an example with such a clean dial and a sharp, unpolished bezel texture is becoming increasingly difficult. History Longines has been a pillar of Swiss watchmaking since 1832, known for its dedication to precision and elegance. The Admiral line was introduced to signify robust, water-resistant automatic watches capable of daily wear while maintaining a dressy aesthetic. During the mid-20th century, Longines partnered with the Wittnauer company to distribute watches in the United States, often casing Swiss movements in high-quality American-made cases to avoid high import tariffs on finished gold watches. This reference is a perfect artifact of that successful transatlantic partnership. / Second Vintage SKU: LON-LAA-0001