Longines Automatic Dress Watch

This Longines Automatic is a wonderful example of the brand's post-war watchmaking, dating to 1951 when Longines was producing some of the finest mechanical watches of the period. Combining elegant mid-century styling with one of the company's respected in-house automatic movements, it is a watch that reflects the craftsmanship and restrained design for which Longines became renowned.

The original gilt dial is the defining feature of this example. Over more than seven decades it has developed a warm, even patina that gives the watch an individuality impossible to reproduce. Gilt Arabic numerals and applied hour markers remain beautifully balanced across the dial, while the slender hands complement the warm tones, creating a classic aesthetic that is unmistakably of its era.

At its heart is the Longines Calibre 22AS, a 19-jewel automatic movement from one of the brand's most celebrated families of post-war calibres. Renowned for its reliability and refined engineering, the 22AS helped establish Longines as one of Switzerland's leading manufacturers during the early years of automatic watchmaking and remains highly regarded by collectors today.

The stainless steel case retains its elegant vintage proportions with honest signs of age that reflect careful ownership rather than restoration. Paired with a black leather strap, the watch wears comfortably and retains the understated presence that defines the finest mid-century dress watches.

At Vintage Watch HQ, we selected this example not because it looks new, but because it has been preserved with integrity. The beautifully aged original dial, respected in-house movement and accompanying original box and 1951 purchase receipt make this an especially appealing example of early Longines automatic watchmaking.

Specifications

Brand: Longines
Model: Automatic
Reference: Not stated
Year: Circa 1951
Movement: Automatic
Calibre: Longines Calibre 22AS
Jewels: 19
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Size: Not stated
Dial: Original gilt dial with Arabic numerals and natural patina
Crystal: Not stated
Strap: Black leather strap
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Seconds
Water Resistance: Not guaranteed due to age
Servicing: Not stated
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with honest signs of age consistent with careful ownership
Box/Papers: Original Longines box and original 1951 purchase receipt included

The watch presents in excellent vintage condition with light wear consistent with over seventy years of careful ownership. The original dial has developed a beautifully even patina, while the gilt printing, hour markers and hands retain their warmth and clarity. The stainless steel case preserves its elegant mid-century profile without evidence of aggressive refinishing. The inclusion of the original presentation box and 1951 purchase receipt further enhances the provenance and historical appeal of this exceptional Longines.