Vintage(?) Longines Conquest

[detchibe]

Hi all,

Long time lurker, first time poster (in this forum at least)

Have recently discovered this Longines Conquest that has been passed down from a couple of relations of mine. I don't know very much about Longines pieces at all, so thought I'd post it up here for the collective PH knowledge to have a look at. I think it's quite a pretty watch, but a little small on the wrist for my liking and the glass is scuffed in a couple of places.

Any ideas of age/value? We don't have any idea of when it was purchased, although the small box it's in says it was purchased from Winsor Bishop in Norwich.





Thanks in advance, all!

Nik

[tobinen]

I like that a lot, very stylish. Can't help you with any info though.

[glazbagun]

Replacing the glass will be no big deal, it's probably an "unbreakable". Have you had the caseback off? My guess is a calibre 340 from the early 60's, Longines first (IIRC) automatic movement and a very unconventional design.

If it is a 340, I don't imagine it would be worth much more than £2-300 in good working order with a steel case, though I'm happy to be corrected. I love how unhappy the fish on the back looks. I wonder if it's supposed to be something historical, or if the engraver of the press simply didn't like his job very much.

Edited by glazbagun on Sunday 2nd February 18:05

[Squadrone Rosso]

That's stunning

[detchibe]

Thanks for the information and comments so far. I do think it's a lovely looking watch and I'm torn between refurbing it or leaving it in it's patina.

I haven't had the caseback off yet; is there a particular way to do this, or should it be left in the hands of someone capable and not ham-fisted like I?

[Squadrone Rosso]

I'd get it serviced & a very light refurb, getting it to / keeping it original as possible.

I'd entrust it to someone who knows what they're doing & not dick around with it.......

[tobinen]

It's not for sale then I take it?

[mikeveal]

From a watch collectors standpoint, that's an original dial and it's in lovely condition. Don't do anything to the dial. You'll ruin the watch and halve it's value.

By all means change the crystal. Any watch decent watch repairer should be able to do this for you. They can also be repolished. Try "Brasso", "Silvo", toothpaste, or chrome bumper polish. Keep it away from the case and the winder though.

I'm not a Longines expert, but I would say that hails from late 50's early 60's. It's in very nice condition for it's age.

Don't try to get the back off without the correct tool. You'll just mark the metal, which would be a shame.

Based on what I've seen recently on ebay, I'd go a bit higher on the value. If the movement is in good nick and you get it serviced and fit a new crystal, I'd guesstimate £400 to £500 ish.

You should get this watch serviced. The lubricant will have dried and running it will cause damage. An independant will charge you £60-£100 ish for a strip and clean, (provided there is nothing else needing doing.)

I could be interested if you're considering finding it a new home.

[robbiekhan]

Looks like domed crystal? If so that's gotta look so nice from a side/angle profile. I'd be inclined to keep it unless you have other watched you'd rather wear of course. That case back is sweet too. Personally I'd keep it for historical collection value alone and get it serviced, the case polished up and glass replaced. You can get high quality straps from various brands that won't cost too much either.

That thing will look amazing with a freshen up!