Vintage Longines Swiss Watch, Rare salmon patina dial, Cal. 23M from 1943
This vintage Longines from 1943 features a beautifully aged salmon dial with patina that gives the watch a warm, lived-in look. The Arabic numerals and slim hands remain clear against the softly textured dial surface, while the small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock adds balance and keeps the layout clean and easy to read. The patina developed over time gives each dial detail its own character, making this piece visually distinct.
The stainless steel case measures 31mm in diameter with a 38.2mm lug-to-lug length, staying true to wartime proportions. Its slim 8mm thickness allows it to sit comfortably on the wrist, while the long, straight lugs give it a slightly elongated presence. The simple case design keeps the focus on the dial.
Inside is the Longines Caliber 23M, a hand-wound movement used by the brand during the early 1940s. Known for its solid construction, it was a dependable choice during the wartime period. The movement has been serviced, however due to the watch’s vintage age, a time deviation of up to ±5 minutes per day is possible. The serial number 6526452 dates this watch to 1943, placing it firmly in Longines’ mid-century production.
CASE
31mm diameter
38.2mm lug-to-lug
8mm thickness
Stainless steel case
16.5mm lug width
MOVEMENT
Longines Caliber 23M
Manual wind
Serial number 6526452 (1943)
DIAL
Salmon dial with natural patina
Arabic numerals
Small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock
Longines signature
About Brand
Is Longines a popular vintage watch brand?
Yes, Longines is one of the oldest Swiss watch manufacturers still operating under its original name, founded in 1832. The brand is especially respected in the vintage watch market for its in-house movements, refined case designs, and long-standing role in professional timing. Vintage Longines watches are known for their balance between elegance and technical precision, making them highly desirable among collectors of classic Swiss watches.
Why is Longines important in vintage watch history?
Longines played a crucial role in aviation, navigation, and sports timing throughout the 20th century. The brand supplied chronographs and navigation watches to pilots and military forces, including well-known pilot watches from the 1930s and 1940s. Models powered by legendary movements such as the Longines 13ZN and 30CH chronograph calibers are considered milestones in vintage watchmaking and remain highly collectible today.
Are vintage Longines watches good for everyday wear?
Yes. Many vintage Longines watches were designed as reliable tool or dress watches intended for daily use. Time-only models powered by movements like the Longines caliber 12.68Z, 23Z, or 30L are especially well regarded for their durability and smooth operation. When properly serviced, a vintage Longines watch can be worn regularly while retaining its value as a collectible vintage watch.
What should collectors look for when buying a vintage Longines watch?
When purchasing a vintage watch from Longines, collectors should prioritize originality and correct configuration. Important details include:
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Original dial with period-correct printing
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Matching case reference and movement caliber
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Correct Longines serial numbers
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Signs of professional servicing
Longines movements are particularly valued for their high-quality finishing and technical sophistication, even in non-chronograph models.
Which vintage Longines models are most collectible?
Some of the most sought-after vintage Longines watches include:
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Chronographs powered by the 13ZN or 30CH movements
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Military and pilot watches from the 1930s–1940s
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Classic dress watches from the 1940s–1960s with large steel cases
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Early Longines Conquest and Flagship models
These watches are prized for their historical relevance, movement quality, and timeless design within the vintage watch market.
Are vintage Longines watches a good investment?
Longines offers strong value in the vintage watch segment. Compared to many high-profile luxury brands, vintage Longines watches often remain more accessible while offering true in-house movements and documented historical importance. Well-preserved examples, especially those with desirable calibers or original dials, show consistent collector demand and long-term appeal.
Additional photos or videos of the watch
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Watch servicing information
All watches in our shop are in full working condition, having been professionally serviced by a certified watchmaker. Each watch undergoes a final inspection prior to shipping to ensure quality and reliability.
Shipping
Standard Delivery: 7-21 business days, depending on location. Free for all orders.
Express Delivery: 3-10 business days, depending on location, at extra cost. Free for orders 1000$ and more.
Processing Time: 3-5 business days for all orders, regardless of shipping method.
All parcels are fully insured and carefully packaged to ensure they arrive safely. For specific delivery estimates based on your country, please visit this page.
Warranty
Each watch purchased from us includes a warranty to ensure its quality and performance. The warranty covers movement and functional issues, with specific terms based on the type of watch (1 year for mechanical and automatic watches, 6 months for quartz watches). For more details, please visit this page.
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