Longines ref. 6264

Longines ref. 6264

The Longines ref. 6264 is a classic vintage manual-wind watch from one of the most respected Swiss watch brands. This model combines an elegant steel case, timeless proportions, a hesalite crystal, and a manufacture Longines Calibre 12.68 movement.

The presented timepiece dates back to 1955, according to its factory numbers. The watch features a mechanical, hand-wound Longines 12.68 movement, a steel case approximately 35 mm in diameter, a screwed-down case back, a hesalite crystal, and a brown leather strap.

Movement

At the heart of the watch is the Longines Calibre 12.68 – a classic Swiss hand-wound movement, produced by Longines and valued for its durability, simplicity, and precision. This movement originates from a period when Longines was one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality in-house movements.

The Longines 12.68Z was originally introduced in 1938 and was widely used in the brand's watches until around the mid-1950s. Early examples of this movement featured a bi-metallic balance, which clearly demonstrates the classic approach to movement construction of that era.

The movement features manual winding and a small seconds function, known as a sub-seconds. Such a solution was very characteristic of elegant watches from the first half of the 20th century and gives the dial a calm, classic appearance.

The Calibre 12.68 operates at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour and offers approximately 41 hours of power reserve. The movement has a diameter of about 27.5 mm and a height of about 4.25 mm. Depending on the version, it came with either 15 or 17 jewels.

This movement is sought after by vintage watch collectors because it represents the very good quality of traditional Longines watchmaking. It combines a simple, durable construction with the elegance of execution typical of the brand's manufacture movements.

Case and Dial

The watch case is made of stainless steel and has a classic, round shape. The case diameter is approximately 35 mm without the crown, the width with the crown is about 37.5 mm, the height is about 9 mm, and the "lug to lug" dimension is about 38 mm.

The case proportions are very elegant and typical of vintage watches from the 1950s. The diameter of about 35 mm gives the watch a classic character, while remaining comfortable and legible on the wrist.

The case maintains a calm, timeless aesthetic. The watch will perform well as a classic elegant timepiece, but thanks to its steel case and simple lines, it can also be worn daily.

The watch features a screwed-down case back and a hesalite crystal. Hesalite crystal, also known as acrylic or plexiglass, was commonly used in historical watches. It is lightweight, relatively shatter-resistant, and fits very well with the character of vintage watches. While it may be more prone to scratches than sapphire crystal, its advantage is the ability to polish out minor scratches.

The crown on this particular example is original but not signed. The dial has a classic layout with a small seconds hand, which gives the watch an elegant, historical, and very well-proportioned appearance.

Strap

The watch is equipped with a brown leather strap. The strap is of high quality and complements the steel case and the classic character of the watch well.

The strap width is 18 mm. The brown leather emphasizes the model's vintage character and makes the watch suitable for both elegant and more casual styles.

Watch Condition

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

For watches from 1955, 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 watch offered.

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 famous Swiss watch brands, with a history dating back to 1832. From the beginning, the brand built its reputation on precision, innovation, and a close association with timekeeping in sports.

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 its history.

In 1867, Ernest Francillon brought the previously dispersed watchmaking operations under one roof, to a factory located in an area known as "Les Longines," or "The Long Meadows." It is from this name that the current brand name Longines originates.

During the same period, the brand's first movement, designated as 20A, was introduced, marking the beginning of Longines' path toward more mechanized and modern watch production. Longines was among the pioneers of industrial production organization while maintaining high watchmaking quality.

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

The brand also developed many important complications and watchmaking solutions. In 1908, Longines created a pocket watch for a customer from the Ottoman Empire, equipped with a dial allowing for two time zones to be read. In 1913, the 13.33Z caliber initiated the era of the modern wrist chronograph with an accuracy of 1/5 of a second.

In 1925, the brand introduced, among other things, a flyback wrist chronograph and a wrist watch indicating a second time zone on the dial. Through such solutions, Longines solidified its position as a producer of precise, technically refined, and elegant watches.

The presented Longines ref. 6264 from 1955 fits well into this history. It is a watch from the period of classic mechanical watchmaking, when the brand produced its own highly regarded movements and built its reputation on durability, accuracy, and quality of craftsmanship.

Key Information

Brand: Longines

Model: ref. 6264

Reference: 6264

Year: 1955, according to factory numbers

Movement: Longines Calibre 12.68

Movement type: mechanical, hand-wound

Seconds function: small seconds / sub-seconds

Number of jewels: 15/17 jewels, depending on movement version

Movement line: 12'''

Lift angle: 44°

Power reserve: approximately 41 hours

Operating frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour

Movement production period: approximately 1938-1955

Movement diameter: approximately 27.5 mm

Movement height: approximately 4.25 mm

Case: stainless steel

Case shape: round

Case diameter: approximately 35 mm without crown

Width with crown: approximately 37.5 mm

Case thickness: approximately 9 mm

Lug to lug: approximately 38 mm

Case back: screwed-down

Crown: original, unsigned

Crystal: hesalite / acrylic

Strap: leather, brown

Strap width: 18 mm

Set: as per product photos

Warranty: 100 days 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.