Longines Admiral 'Serviced' 8342-1 (1970-1979)

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage This Longines Admiral 5-Star is a captivating example of 1970s design, perfectly blending sporty durability with refined elegance. Housed in a distinctive stainless steel cushion case and paired with its original, beautifully crafted Milanese mesh bracelet, this timepiece carries immense vintage charm. The Admiral line was historically positioned as a premium automatic offering from Longines, and the presence of the five applied stars on the dial signifies the brand's commitment to high-quality mechanical performance and superior finishing during this dynamic era of watchmaking. Brand: Longines Model: Admiral 5-Star Reference Number: 8342-1 Serial Number: 15589317 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 505, 17 Jewels Dial: Silver sunburst with applied faceted indices, red minute track, and a visible blemish near 8 o'clock Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 1970s Condition: Good vintage condition with original signed mesh bracelet and honest signs of wear. Movement has been serviced. Dial and Hands The dial presents a striking silver sunburst finish, beautifully contrasted by a vibrant red outer minute track that adds a subtle touch of sportiness. It features applied, faceted baton indices with black central inserts, perfectly matched by the steel baton hands which also carry black striping for enhanced legibility. The dial furniture is exceptional, including the applied Longines winged hourglass logo at 12 o'clock, the iconic five applied stars above the printed Admiral designation at 6 o'clock, and a sharply faceted metal frame securing the date aperture at 3 o'clock. Condition-wise, the dial exhibits a highly reflective and clean sunburst texture across most of its surface, though a distinct surface blemish is clearly visible near the 8 o'clock index. Case and Crystal The 34mm stainless steel case features a robust cushion profile, characteristic of the era's forward-thinking design language. The case transitions smoothly across its polished upper surfaces and flanks, retaining strong, well-defined lug profiles that integrate seamlessly with the mesh bracelet. It is fitted with a domed acrylic crystal that provides a warm, era-appropriate distortion at the edges. The original Longines-signed fluted crown is present at the 3 o'clock position. The screw-down caseback is sharply stamped with the Longines Waterproof Stainless Steel text along with the serial numbers, while the inner caseback correctly bears the 8342-1 reference markings and Swiss fabrication hallmarks. Movement Inside beats the Longines Caliber 505 automatic movement, a 17-jewel mechanism proudly stamped with the Longines winged hourglass on the central rotor. The movement base plate clearly displays the 505 caliber designation next to the balance wheel. The movement has been serviced and is performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Timegrapher results indicate a performance of +25 to +30 seconds per day. Strap The watch is fitted with its spectacular original stainless steel Milanese mesh bracelet. The high-quality mesh flows directly into the case with endlinks properly stamped 8342, matching the case reference perfectly. The bracelet is secured by a prominent fold-over clasp featuring a beautifully embossed Longines winged hourglass logo, accommodating a wrist size of up to 18.5 cm. Condition Presented in good vintage condition. The stainless steel case remains sharp, showing normal handling marks and light surface wear consistent with its age, without any signs of heavy over-polishing. The original mesh bracelet is exceptionally well-preserved and structurally sound. As noted in the visual inspection, the dial displays a visible blemish near the 8 o'clock marker, while the rest of the dial retains a brilliant sunburst finish. The movement presents cleanly and functions properly. Dimensions Case Size: 34 mm (excluding the crown) Wrist Size: 18.5 cm Remarks This Longines Admiral 5-Star is a superb representation of late mid-century watchmaking, pairing a robust cushion case with a beautifully integrated mesh bracelet. The striking red minute track and intricate applied dial furniture make it a highly attractive piece for collectors seeking a distinctive vintage Longines with strong wrist presence. History The Longines Admiral line was introduced to represent the pinnacle of the brand's automatic offerings, combining robust waterproof cases with highly reliable calibers. The five stars on the dial were historically used by Longines to denote their highest quality movements and premium finishing, a tradition that made the Admiral series a favorite among discerning enthusiasts. Timepieces from this era of Longines history are celebrated for their adventurous case shapes and exceptional dial execution, cementing the brand's legacy as a premier Swiss watchmaker. / Second Vintage SKU: LON-AXX-0006