Vintage Longines Military Pilot’s Watch, Swiss Made, Cal. 12.68N from 1940's

The Longines Calibre 12.68N wristwatch was introduced in 1939, at the outset of World War II, and quickly became one of the brand’s most enduring military timepieces. Produced in Switzerland and also assembled in the U.S. using Swiss-made components, this model was issued to U.S. Navy pilots and Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel, making it a historically significant pilot’s watch.

This example features a 32.5mm stainless steel case with long, beveled lugs and houses the trusted Longines Cal. 12.68N, a manual-wind movement well regarded for its performance in demanding conditions. The watch retains the classic 1940s look with its Arabic numerals and cathedral hands. The original radium lume has been carefully restored using a non-radioactive luminous material chosen to match the warm, aged appearance of the period radium, ensuring the watch preserve the authentic vintage aesthetic collectors appreciate.

CASE:

• stainless steel case in honest, worn condition with sharp lugs

• 32.5 mm diameter (without crown) / 41 mm lug-to-lug / 16 mm between lugs

• case shows period-correct wear and retains vintage character

• unsigned crown, as commonly seen on early military Longines

• likely produced between 1939–1943

MOVEMENT:

• Longines Calibre 12.68N

• 15 jewels, manual wind

• fully functional and keeping good time

• known for its robustness and used extensively in WWII-era military watches

• professionally serviced 

DIAL:

• full set of large Arabic numerals, matched by original cathedral-style hands

• blued steel central seconds hand

• outer minute track for easy legibility in flight
  

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