Preliminary identification
Photo reference
3 uploaded photos
Overview
A striking 1980s-era dress watch featuring a rectangular 'tank' style case with a distinctive textured bark finish. The deep navy or black dial is framed by a gold-tone chapter ring, creating a bold, architectural aesthetic typical of late 20th-century Swiss luxury.
Story
The 1980s saw Swiss watchmakers like Longines embracing the 'Quartz Revolution' with high-fashion designs. This bark-textured finish was a status symbol, meant to catch the light like a piece of fine jewelry rather than a mere tool.
Maker / Origin
Founded in 1832, Longines is one of the oldest Swiss watchmakers, known for their 'winged hourglass' logo—the oldest unchanged trademark for a watch brand. They were pioneers in aviation and sports timing before becoming masters of elegant quartz dress watches in the late 20th century.
Condition & Value
The watch shows visible wear to the gold plating on the high points of the bark texture and edges of the case. The crystal appears relatively clear, but the bracelet links show some stretching consistent with age. Condition is fair to good; significant plating loss reduces value by 40%.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
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.