Longines
Longines is a Swiss watch brand with roots in Saint-Imier in 1832. The factory opened in 1867 represents a separate milestone in the company's history. The founding year and the factory opening are therefore not the same event.
The winged hourglass
The winged hourglass is a characteristic brand symbol. Longines' historical documentation describes marking with the name, symbol and serial number. Record such information together when examining an older watch. A symbol on the dial alone establishes neither the originality of every component nor the authenticity of the watch.
What should be checked?
Photograph the dial, case and accessible numbers. Ask a watchmaker to record the calibre and movement markings when opening is required. Do not treat a case number as automatically being a movement number; specify the component on which each recorded number appears. Compare material descriptions with the case marks rather than relying on surface colour.
When buying, documented service, replacement-part disclosures and dial condition matter more than a general claim that the brand is good. Describe any running test with its duration and observations. Avoid definite dates or model identifications without relevant documentation for that particular watch.
Browse watches and pocket watches.
