Vintage Longines Wristwatch 4133 cal. L645.1 Automatic Gold plate

SPECIFICATION

Reference: Longines 4133
Movement: Automatic L645.1/ ETA 2980
Age: circa 1975-1983
Case Size: 34mm
Case Thickness: 8mm
Lug to Lug: 37mm
Lugs: 18mm
Box &Papers: No
Case Material: Gold plate
Warranty: 12-Months Warranty

POINTS TO MENTION

• In great preowned condition, with light signs of wear
• Case and bezel have some light scratches and marks
  
• Vertically brushed gold dial
• Cabachon crown
• Two hand design
  
• Fully serviced automatic movement
  
• Signed Longines crown
  
• Paired with an unworn brown leather strap
  

The Longines reference is a refined vintage automatic gold plate dress watch most often seen in the late 70s early 80s. It sits quietly within the Longines catalogue of the period, favouring clean lines and balanced proportions over overt branding or sportier cues. With a case diameter of 35mm, it wears exactly as a classic vintage Longines should, elegant, discreet, timeless and is executed perfectly with its brushed dial and 2 hand design.

Inside Longines L645.1 (21-jewel) is a Swiss automatic movement used by Longines in the period, approximately 1975 to 1983, during the brand’s widespread use of ETA-based ébauches. An ébauche is a French watchmaking term that means a partially completed movement, meaning Longines completed the movement, not just put it into the watch.

It is an internal Longines designation for an ETA automatic base calibre from the ETA 2890 family. In Longines’ system, the “L” prefix identifies a Longines-finished or Longines-designated variant of an ETA movement, and “645.1” is the specific configuration used in certain slim automatic watch models of that era.

Functionally, the L645.1 is a time only automatic movement with 2 hand design,with a beat rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour in higher-grade variants, It uses a self-winding rotor system and is known for being mechanically bullet proof, straightforward, durable, and easy to service due to its ETA-based construction.

The L645.1 is regarded today as a reliable, conventional Swiss automatic movement of the late mechanical-pre-quartz era, valued more for its robustness and slim design than for complexity or exclusivity.

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

This Longines captures the refined spirit of the late 70s design, offering a perfect balance of elegance and mechanical character. Its 34mm gold plate case is beautifully proportioned, giving it a timeless presence on the wrist, while the slim profile ensures it wears with effortless sophistication. With a recently serviced top quality movement, it’s a vintage piece ready to accompany you for many years ahead.