Longines Flagship 8473 (1974)

Now available at auction from Second Vintage A quintessential 1970s Longines Flagship featuring a sharp cushion case and a high-beat automatic caliber. This reference 8473 exemplifies the bold design language of the era with its "TV-screen" geometry, complemented by a pristine vertically brushed silver dial with contrasting black accents. It remains an exceptionally clean and well-preserved model from a significant period in the brand's history. Brand: Longines Model: Flagship Reference Number: 8473 Serial Number: 16933299 Movement: Automatic, Caliber 6651, 28,800 bph, 25 Jewels Dial: Silver with vertical brushed finish and black accents Case Size: 30 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless steel Production Year: 1974 Condition: Excellent vintage condition. Timegrapher: -20-25s/day, running strong and steady. Dial and Hands The silver dial is exceptionally clean and well-preserved, featuring a beautiful vertical brushed finish. Applied black baton indices provide sharp contrast, matched perfectly by the clean black stick hands, which show no visible corrosion or paint loss. The printed text remains crisp and intact across the dial, and a date window is positioned unusually at the 4:30 position. There is no visible staining or significant patina, leaving the dial highly legible and visually striking. Case and Crystal The stainless steel cushion case retains its distinctive 1970s profile, with brushed upper surfaces contrasting against polished flanks. It shows honest wear consistent with age, including light scratches and handling marks visible on the polished sides, while the edges remain relatively well-defined. The bezel is integrated seamlessly into the case design. A domed acrylic crystal with a curved square profile protects the dial, showing some light surface scratches visible under direct reflection. The watch retains its original signed crown, featuring the Longines name and winged hourglass logo alongside well-defined knurling. Movement Powering this Flagship is the Longines caliber 6651, an automatic movement with a central rotor, operating at a high-beat rate of 28,800 bph. The plates and bridges are clean with minimal signs of oxidation, and the screw heads appear in good condition. The movement is proudly engraved with its specifications, noting it features 25 jewels and is adjusted to four positions and temperature. Timegrapher: -20-25s/day. Performing well within expected vintage tolerances; running strong and steady. Strap Fitted with a black textured leather strap featuring white contrast stitching. It is a high-quality modern strap that appears in near-new condition with minimal wear. Condition Excellent vintage condition. The silver brushed dial is exceptionally clean and well-preserved. The stainless steel case shows honest wear with light scratches on the polished flanks, while the edges remain well-defined. The domed acrylic crystal bears light surface scratches. Dimensions The case measures 30 mm, excluding the crown. Remarks This Longines Flagship offers a highly appealing combination of distinctive 1970s case geometry and a remarkably clean vertically brushed dial. Powered by a high-beat automatic caliber, it represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a well-preserved, premium vintage timepiece from a celebrated Swiss maker. History The Longines Flagship collection was introduced in 1957 to serve as a premium line within the brand's catalog. Reference 8473 features a distinctive cushion-shaped case, commonly referred to by collectors as a "TV-screen" design. This model is powered by the Longines caliber 6651, a high-beat automatic movement representing the era's push toward greater mechanical precision. / Second Vintage SKU: LON-FXX-0006