Vintage Longines Wristwatch Flagship 3120-1 Circa 1960s

SPECIFICATION

Reference : 3120-1
Movement : Automatic cal. 345
Age : circa 1960s
Case Size : 35mm
Case Thickness : 11mm
Lug to Lug : 40mm
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : No
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty

POINTS TO  MENTION

• In great condition with light signs of wear
• Case and bezel have some light scratches and marks
• Bottom of the bezel has some light pitting
• Sunburst dial has some light patina
  
• Signed Crown
• Fully serviced movement
• Paired with an unworn black leather strap
  

The Longines Flagship Ref. 3120-1 is a vintage timepiece produced during the 1960s, a golden era of Swiss mechanical watchmaking. It belongs to Longines’ Flagship line, which was first introduced in 1957 as a symbol of the brand's precision engineering and timeless elegance. The name “Flagship” was inspired by naval terminology, denoting the leading ship in a fleet — a metaphor for Longines’ highest quality offerings. These watches were marketed as refined dress pieces, emphasizing minimalist design, reliable in-house movements, and Swiss craftsmanship. The Ref. 3120-1 exemplifies these qualities with its clean dial, modest 35 mm case, and understated steel construction.

Inside the 3120-1 beats the Longines Caliber 345, an in-house automatic movement known for its durability and bidirectional winding mechanism. With a power reserve of approximately 40 hours approx and 17 jewels, this movement represented Longines’ commitment to innovation before the quartz crisis disrupted traditional watchmaking in the 1970s. The watch’s design – featuring dauphine hands, applied markers, and a sunburst dial – reflects mid-century aesthetic values: simple, functional, and elegant. While not as widely recognized as some vintage Rolex or Omega models, the 3120-1 has gained increasing interest among collectors who appreciate its mechanical integrity and historical significance. The fact that Longines continues to use the "Flagship" name today, through its modern Flagship Heritage line, is a testament to the enduring legacy of models like the 3120-1.

A BIT OF TRIVIA

Longines, founded in 1832 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, is one of the oldest watchmakers in continuous operation under its original name. Over nearly two centuries, it has established a legacy of precision, innovation, and elegance. One of its most remarkable achievements is holding the oldest registered trademark still in use today—the winged hourglass logo, registered in 1889. This symbol has become synonymous with heritage and quality in Swiss watchmaking.

The brand played a pioneering role in aviation history. In 1931, after his historic solo transatlantic flight, Charles Lindbergh worked with Longines to design the Hour Angle Watch, which helped pilots determine longitude during flight. This innovation cemented Longines’ reputation as the watchmaker of choice for aviators and explorers.

Longines is also a legend in sports timing. It has served as the official timekeeper for many major international events, including the Olympic Games, Formula 1 racing, and world-class horse racing, skiing, and gymnastics competitions. By the early 20th century, Longines had earned over 10 Grand Prix awards at world fairs for innovation and precision—a record that outshone many rivals of the time.

While often known for its dress watches, Longines was also a pioneer in quartz technology, releasing the Ultra-Quartz in 1969—one of the first consumer quartz watches. However, before the quartz era, the brand was deeply respected for its in-house mechanical movements, such as the famous Caliber 30L and Caliber 345. Although Longines now uses movements from ETA (a fellow Swatch Group brand), its legacy of reliability and craftsmanship remains intact.

Longines watches have also graced the wrists of many notable figures, including Albert Einstein, Audrey Hepburn, and Humphrey Bogart. Today, celebrities like Kate Winslet, Andre Agassi, and Regé-Jean Page continue to represent the brand. Fans of horology can visit the Longines Museum in Saint-Imier, which houses a stunning collection of historical models, tools, and documents.

Lastly, the Longines Flagship collection, which includes your reference 3120-1, was first introduced in 1957 and remains an iconic part of the brand’s lineup. With timeless design and mechanical reliability, the Flagship series continues to reflect Longines’ enduring philosophy: tradition, elegance, and performance.

OUR THOUGHTS

The Longines Flagship strikes me as a perfect blend of timeless elegance and mechanical heritage. Its clean, understated design reflects a classic mid-century aesthetic that still feels refined today, while the in-house movement, especially in vintage models like the 3120-1, showcases Longines’ commitment to quality watchmaking. It’s a watch that doesn’t shout for attention but quietly commands respect—ideal for someone who values tradition, craftsmanship, and subtle sophistication.