Longines Caliber 23 ZS 5116 (1950-1959)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage A classic mid-century Longines dress watch elevated by its distinctive flared fancy lugs and an attractive, even patina across the dial. This circa 1950 timepiece pairs elegant case geometry with the highly regarded manual wind caliber 23 ZS, offering strong vintage character and visual presence. Brand: Longines Model: Longines Reference Number: 5116 Serial Number: 7934224 Movement: Manual wind caliber 23 ZS, 17 jewels Dial: Silver and white with applied gold-tone Arabic numerals and dart indices Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: 10K gold filled Production Year: c. 1950 Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: -7-11s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The original silver and white dial features applied gold-tone Arabic numerals and dart indices that catch the light beautifully. A fine, even patina and light spotting have developed across the entire dial surface, giving the watch an authentic and highly attractive vintage character. The printed Longines logo and Swiss text remain clear and highly legible. The gold-tone dauphine hands complement the indices perfectly and show age-appropriate surface oxidation along with light scratches. There is no luminous material present on the dial or hands, preserving the formal mid-century aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 10K gold-filled case, manufactured by Wadsworth, is defined by its distinctive flared fancy lugs that give the watch an elegant and pronounced presence on the wrist. A smooth, integrated gold-filled bezel transitions cleanly into the case profile, mirroring the overall geometry. This vintage gold-filled case shows honest wear, with moderate surface scratches consistent with its age, but remains free of any major dents or deep gouges. The unsigned ribbed crown shows some wear to its plating and finish. A domed acrylic crystal protects the dial and remains exceptionally clear, exhibiting no significant scratches, cracks, or crazing. Movement Powering this watch is the Longines manual wind caliber 23 ZS, a 17-jewel unadjusted movement bearing the LXW import code. The movement appears very clean, featuring bright plates and bridges with no obvious signs of corrosion or damaged screw heads. Engravings including the Longines Watch Co Swiss signature and the serial number are clearly visible on the movement architecture. The timegrapher recorded a rate of -7-11s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is fitted with a black leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. The strap appears lightly used and complements the gold-tone case perfectly, providing a comfortable and versatile wearing experience. Condition Good vintage condition. The 10K gold-filled Wadsworth case shows honest wear with moderate surface scratches and some plating wear on the unsigned crown, but retains its striking fancy lug geometry without any major dents. The original dial displays a fine, even patina and light spotting, while the dauphine hands show appropriate surface oxidation. The acrylic crystal is remarkably clear. The manual wind caliber 23 ZS remains clean and, supported by the recorded timegrapher result, is performing very strongly. Dimensions The case measures 33 mm in diameter (excluding the crown). Remarks This Longines stands out through its dramatic flared fancy lugs and the warm, even patina of its dial. Powered by the reliable caliber 23 ZS, it represents a highly attractive example of mid-century design, offering both mechanical integrity and elegant wrist presence. History During the mid-twentieth century, Longines produced some of the most elegantly proportioned and mechanically refined dress watches in the world. The post-war era saw a flourishing of expressive case designs, with fancy lugs becoming a hallmark of elevated style. The caliber 23 ZS is well-regarded among collectors for its robust architecture and precise finishing. Based on Longines serial number records, the movement serial 7934224 places the production of this watch circa 1950, representing a celebrated era of Swiss watchmaking. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and securely packaged, then shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We use fast express shipping, with typical delivery within 1–4 business days, depending on the destination. Please note that vintage watches may show minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections, which are considered normal for watches of this age. We kindly ask you to review all photos carefully before bidding. We photograph each watch from multiple angles to provide the most accurate representation possible, and the photos form an important part of the description. The timegrapher assessment if provided is seen as an indication of the movement’s condition under fully wound testing conditions. As with all vintage watches, results may vary in daily use. If you have any concerns regarding functionality or defects after delivery, please contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all used watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: LON-XXX-0029