Vintage Longines Admiral Hi frequency Wristwatch 2304-2 cal. 6952 circa 1972

SPECIFICATION

Reference: Longines 2304-2
Movement: Manually wound 6952
Age: circa 1972
Case Size: 35mm
Case Thickness: 9mm
Lug to Lug: 39mm
Lugs: 18mm
Box & Papers: No
Case Material: Stainless steel
Warranty: 12-Months Warranty

POINTS TO MENTION

• In great preowned condition, with light signs of wear
• Case has some light scratches and marks
  
• brushed dial
  
• Fully serviced hi frequency manually wound movement
  
• Signed Longines crown
  
• Paired with its original signed stainless steel mesh bracelet
  

THE WATCH

The Longines reference 2304-2 belongs to the early-1970s Admiral HF (High Frequency) line from Longines, produced during a period when the brand was developing higher-beat mechanical movements in response to increasing demands for precision.

At its heart is the calibre 6952, part of Longines’ 6900-series high-frequency hand-wound movements. It operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and was designed to improve chronometric stability compared to earlier 18,000 and 21,600 vph calibres.

The 6952 is a manual-winding movement with central seconds and a date complication. It also features a hacking (stop-seconds) function, allowing the seconds hand to stop when the crown is pulled out so the time can be set accurately. The date is adjusted via the crown in its intermediate position, depending on configuration within the 6900 family.

The 2304-2 case design reflects early-1970s styling, typically in stainless steel with a more angular, integrated feel compared to earlier dress watches. The proportions are relatively thin, with brushed and polished surfaces used to emphasise sharp geometric lines, giving it a distinctly modernist aesthetic for its era.

A BIT OF TRIVA

Longines was founded in Saint-Imier in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz, a Swiss watchmaker and brother of biologist Louis. Auguste had two partners, lawyers Henri Raiguel and Florian Morel, the company's original name was Raiguel Jeune &amp: Cie. Several years later, Agassiz brought in his bright, enterprising nephew, trained economist Ernest Francillon into the business. Francillon was the mastermind behind several impressive innovations that would distinguish the company from its competitors. Under Francillon, the company began to move towards more modern production methods. Francillon solidified his firm's progression to mass production in 1867 by establishing his first factory, & Its location, an area in southern St. Imier known locally as Les Longines (long meadows), which gave rise to the Longines name. It is also where they still produce their watches from today.

Longines is the oldest watch brand trademark in the international registry, spanning more than 130 years, the Winged hourglass Longines logo has changed throughout the years with 15 different logo, even moving away from the winging hourglass from a period in the early 1900s, but it came back in 1942 and is still there today

OUR THOUGHTS

The Longines 2304-2 with the calibre 6952 feels like a very honest expression of early-1970s watchmaking, where precision and modern design were clearly taking priority. The high-frequency movement adds a technical edge, while the sharp, angular case design gives it a clean, almost architectural presence on the wrist. It’s the kind of watch that feels understated at first glance, but reveals its quality the longer you spend with it.