Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
This is an elegant mid-century Longines dress watch powered by the celebrated manual-wind Caliber 23ZS movement. Housed in a 10K gold-filled case with bold stylized Arabic numerals on a dramatic dark dial, it represents the golden age of Swiss mechanical watchmaking for the American market.
Story
Manufactured around 1956 with serial number 10221680, this Swiss movement crossed the Atlantic to be cased in New York by Longines-Wittnauer, avoiding heavy luxury import tariffs of the post-war era.
Maker / Origin
Founded in 1832 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland, Longines holds the oldest unchanged registered trademark in continuous use with its winged hourglass logo. Renowned for its precision timing in aviation and sports, the brand was a formidable competitor to Omega and Rolex throughout the mid-20th century.
Condition & Value
The movement appears remarkably clean and intact with visible jewel caps. The inside caseback shows multiple historic watchmaker service scratch marks, indicating regular maintenance over its lifetime.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.