Longines ref. 6393-6

Longines ref. 6393-6

The Longines ref. 6393-6 is a classic vintage manual-wind watch from 1959, as indicated by its serial numbers. This model combines an elegant gold-plated stainless steel case, hesalite crystal, screw-down case back, and the interesting in-house Longines Calibre 23.ZS movement.

The presented timepiece has a case diameter of approximately 34 mm without the crown and is equipped with a mechanical hand-wound movement. It boasts classic proportions typical of the 1950s and is also a collectors' item due to its Calibre 23.ZS, a significant movement in Longines' post-war development.

Movement

At the heart of the watch is the Longines Calibre 23.ZS – an in-house mechanical manual-wind movement introduced by Longines in the autumn of 1948. This movement is particularly interesting for collectors because it emerged during a crucial period in the brand's history, directly after World War II.

The Calibre 23.ZS succeeded the older 10.68Z movement. The previous calibre was a very successful design, but by the second half of the 1940s, it required modernization. The 10.68Z movement was introduced in 1925 and was closely related to the even earlier 11.62 calibre. Longines therefore needed a new design to meet the demands of the post-war market.

At that time, almost half of Longines' production went to the United States, and the brand's American agent had a significant influence on the direction of production in Saint-Imier. It was the needs of the American market and the necessity to modernize older movements that contributed to the development of the Calibre 23.ZS.

The 23.ZS movement is historically significant as one of the few new movements from a Swiss manufacturer that emerged directly after World War II. Europe was economically weakened at the time, and even the largest watch companies were cautious about major investments in research, machinery, and tooling needed to create an entirely new calibre.

Longines allocated approximately 20,000 Swiss francs to research on the 23.ZS movement and then another 25,000 Swiss francs for tooling to enable its commercial production. This illustrates how important this movement project was for the brand.

The Calibre 23.ZS was produced in parallel with the closely related 23.Z version. The 23.ZS model features a central seconds hand, while the 23.Z used a more traditional layout with a small seconds sub-dial at the bottom of the dial. Both versions are valued by collectors and hold their place in Longines' watchmaking history.

Technically, the Longines 23.ZS was a modern construction for its time. The movement was equipped with an anti-shock system and anti-magnetic protection. Both solutions were greatly developed during World War II and subsequently adapted for higher-class civilian watches.

The movement has 17 jewels, operates at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour, and offers approximately 44 hours of power reserve. Its diameter is about 23.69 mm, the mounting diameter is about 23.3 mm, and the height is about 4.6 mm. The lift angle is 46 degrees.

Case and Dial

The watch case is made of stainless steel, which has then been gold-plated. It features a classic, round shape and elegant proportions typical of watches from the late 1950s.

The case diameter is approximately 34 mm without the crown, the width with the crown is approximately 36 mm, the height is approximately 9 mm, and the lug-to-lug dimension is approximately 38 mm. These proportions are typical for elegant vintage watches, which sit well on the wrist and maintain a subtle, classic character.

The case is styled in a manner characteristic of Longines watches from this period. The gold-plated finish gives it a more elegant, warm, and classic appearance, well suited to a 1950s watch.

The watch has a screw-down case back and an original crown, which is not signed on this particular piece. The crystal is hesalite, or acrylic. This type of crystal was commonly used in historical watches – it is lightweight, relatively shatter-resistant, and authentically represents the character of vintage watches. While it may be more susceptible to minor scratches than sapphire crystal, its advantage is that it can be polished.

The dial has a classic layout with a central seconds hand, a result of using the 23.ZS movement. This solution gives the watch a more modern character for its time compared to models with a small seconds sub-dial.

Strap or Bracelet

The watch is sold in the configuration shown in the product photos. The detailed appearance of the strap or bracelet, their condition, and fit are presented in the photos.

For vintage watches, the strap or bracelet may be a later addition or a functional element, which is why the photos are an integral part of the description and best show the actual appearance of the offered item.

Watch Condition

The watch is a used item. It may have natural signs of use resulting from its age, previous wear, and the nature of a vintage watch. The detailed visual condition is presented in the product photos.

For watches from 1959, natural signs of age are part of the item's history. The photos are an integral part of the description and show the actual appearance of the offered watch.

Set and Warranty

The watch is sold as a used item. The detailed scope of the set is visible in the product photos.

The product is covered by a 100-day Dial-House warranty. The warranty covers the correct functioning of the watch mechanism, excluding mechanical damage, water damage, improper use, natural wear and tear of consumable components, and interference by third parties.

History of the Longines Brand

Longines is one of the most renowned Swiss watch brands, with a history dating back to 1832. From the beginning, the brand built its reputation on precision, innovation, and high-quality craftsmanship.

In 1832, August Agassiz, along with two partners, founded a watchmaking company in Saint-Imier specializing in the production of pocket watches. In subsequent decades, the company grew, and Ernest Francillon played a key role in the brand's history.

In 1867, Ernest Francillon brought together previously dispersed watchmaking operations under one roof, to a factory located in an area known as "Les Longines," or "The Long Meadows." This name is the origin of today's Longines brand name.

In the same period, the brand's first movement, designated 20A, was presented, marking Longines' path toward more mechanized and modern watch production. Longines was a pioneer in the industrial organization of production while maintaining high watchmaking quality.

In 1889, Longines registered its classic winged hourglass logo. In 1893, this mark was officially registered with the International Bureaux, becoming one of the oldest trademarks in continuous use to this day.

The presented Longines ref. 6393-6 from 1959 fits well into the brand's history. It is a watch from a period when Longines produced its own high-class movements, and the Calibre 23.ZS was an example of the company's post-war technical development.

Key Information

Brand: Longines

Model: ref. 6393-6

Reference: 6393-6

Year: 1959, according to serial numbers

Movement: Longines Calibre 23.ZS

Movement type: mechanical, hand-wound

Seconds function: central seconds

Number of jewels: 17 jewels

Movement size: 10.5'''

Movement diameter: approx. 23.69 mm

Mounting diameter: approx. 23.3 mm

Movement height: approx. 4.6 mm

Power reserve: approx. 44 hours

Operating frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour

Lift angle: 46 degrees

Anti-shock system: yes

Anti-magnetic protection: yes

Case: stainless steel, gold-plated

Case shape: round

Case diameter: approx. 34 mm without crown

Width with crown: approx. 36 mm

Case thickness: approx. 9 mm

Lug-to-lug: approx. 38 mm

Case back: screw-down

Crown: original, unsigned

Crystal: hesalite / acrylic

Strap or bracelet: as per product photos

Set: as per product photos

Warranty: 100-day Dial-House warranty

Condition: used

For questions regarding condition, operation, set, warranty, or the possibility of viewing additional photos, please contact Dial-House store before purchase.