Vintage Longines 1118 Automatic Date Watch 1977 Serviced UK Warranty

SPECIFICATION

Reference: Longines 1118
Movement: Longines L633.1 automatic 25 jewels
Age: Circa 1977
Case Size: 34mm
Case Thickness: 10mm
Lug to Lug: 38mm
Lugs: 18mm
Condition: Used Longines watch
Box and Papers: No
Case Material: Stainless steel
Warranty: 12-Month Mechanical Warranty (UK only)

POINTS TO MENTION

• In great pre-owned condition, with light wear from use
• Case and bezel have some light scratches and marks
• Vertically brushed dial
• Longines signed crown
• Fully serviced automatic movement
• Paired with an unworn black leather strap with deployant clasp

THE WATCH

The Longines 1118 shows just how carefully a seemingly simple silver dial can be considered. Fine vertical brushing gives the surface a changing character in the light, while long applied markers and the doubled marker at twelve bring a pleasing sense of order. Even the framed date finds its place without disturbing the balance.

By the late 1970s, quartz was changing the watch industry, and designers had no shortage of opportunities to make a louder impression. Yet this Longines remains wonderfully composed. It is the sort of watch whose appeal lies in the details you might overlook at first, but gradually come to appreciate.

A BIT OF TRIVIA

Look closely beneath six o'clock and you'll find the tiny inscription '633 SWISS 1118'. Those numbers offer a fascinating little insight into the watch: 633 identifies the Longines movement family, while 1118 refers to the model.

The Calibre L633.1 was based on the ETA 2824, an automatic movement architecture that would become one of the great workhorses of Swiss watchmaking. It reflects an important change in the industry, as established watchmakers increasingly drew upon specialist movement manufacturers. A few tiny figures on a dial open a surprisingly interesting chapter in Swiss watchmaking history.

OUR THOUGHTS

One of the pleasures of wearing a Longines is knowing what's behind a lovely dial. Here we have Longines' assured sense of design paired with the L633.1, a proven Swiss automatic movement whose engineering we genuinely appreciate.

We particularly like that marriage of elegance and practicality. It's a watch that catches the collector's eye for its design and earns the watchmaker's respect for what's underneath. When those two qualities come together this well, we think there's something rather special to enjoy.