Longines Caliber 285 8306 1 (1969)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage A classic late-1960s Longines dress watch featuring a distinctive tonneau-shaped stainless steel case and a highly legible silver sunburst dial. Powered by the reliable in-house caliber 285 manual wind movement, this well-preserved timepiece offers a clean and understated aesthetic that remains highly wearable today. Brand: Longines Reference Number: 8306 1 Serial Number: 50128793 Movement: Manual wind, caliber 285 Dial: Silver sunburst finish with applied indices Case Size: 34mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1969 Condition: Good vintage condition. Timegrapher: +7+10s/day, performing remarkably well. Dial and Hands The silver sunburst dial is preserved in excellent condition, presenting a clean and highly legible face. It features applied indices with black inserts that perfectly complement the applied winged hourglass logo positioned below twelve o'clock. The printing remains crisp throughout. Under magnification, minor dust or very light spotting is visible, consistent with the age of the watch. The stick hands match the dial furniture beautifully, complete with black inserts and clean surfaces showing minimal signs of oxidation. Case and Crystal The stainless steel case features a tonneau shape with integrated-style lugs, offering substantial presence on the wrist. The polished and brushed surfaces display honest wear consistent with age, including moderate scratches and scuffs, though the edges remain relatively well-defined. A thin polished bezel ring frames the dial, showing light scratches consistent with the rest of the case. The crown is present, signed with the Longines name and the winged hourglass logo, featuring well-defined knurling for easy winding. The caseback exterior displays light scratches alongside clear and legible engravings. The watch is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that shows light surface scratches and scuffs, particularly near the edges. Movement Inside the case beats the Longines in-house caliber 285 manual wind movement, featuring 17 jewels. The plates and bridges are remarkably clean, with crisp and clear engravings throughout. There are no obvious signs of corrosion or heavy tool marks on the visible components. The timegrapher records a rate of +7+10s/day. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. Strap The watch is paired with a serviceable modern black textured leather strap. The strap shows light wear and secures comfortably to the wrist. Condition Good vintage condition. The stainless steel case displays honest age-related wear, with moderate scratches and scuffs on the polished and brushed surfaces. The silver sunburst dial and matching hands are exceptionally well-preserved, showing only minor dust or very light spotting under magnification. The domed acrylic crystal bears light surface scratches. The manual wind movement is remarkably clean and is running strong. Dimensions The case measures 34mm in diameter, excluding the crown. Remarks This Longines reference 8306 1 appeals directly to enthusiasts of late-1960s design. The combination of the tonneau-shaped case, the exceptionally clean in-house caliber 285, and the well-preserved silver sunburst dial makes this a compelling and highly wearable vintage timepiece. History During the late 1960s, Longines produced a wide variety of elegant dress watches that prioritized reliable mechanics and refined case geometry. The reference 8306 is a classic example of this era, powered by the manually wound caliber 285 movement. While it represents a standard production model from the period, finding an example with such a well-preserved dial and clean movement highlights the enduring quality of mid-century Longines manufacturing. / Second Vintage SKU: LON-XXX-0035