1950s Longines Conquest Automatic 35mm 9000-1
Ref: 9000-1
Specification
Lugs : 18mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : None
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
Points of Mention
This watch is sold as "Watch Only" and, therefore, comes with no original Longines box or paperwork. It is paired with a well-suited 18mm strap. The watch is from Circa. mid/late 1950s. It is sold in worn, vintage condition with super crisp and sharp lines on this unpolished case, as you can see from the photographs. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.
For more photos see here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1R16s28Ux15_X7tW3nkDMdnMwpnDwz8FV?usp=drive_link
4K YouTube video, skip to 14:34 - https://youtu.be/fZS_VHwmgws
The Watch
Here we have a 1950s Longines Conquest Automatic 9000-1 with a 35mm unpolished stainless Steel case that curves over your wrist with thick tapered lugs and a lug-to-lug length of 42.5mm and a thickness of 12mm, ensuring the watch is a comfortable fit. On the right, a push/pull signed coin-edged crown. The thin bezel holds a domed crystal above a stunning dial with an even patina, attractive applied double-faceted indexes, and 12, 3, 6 and 9 numerals mark the hours, and an inner minute track has an applied triangle at the cardinal points. Elegant dauphine hands are complemented by a delicate tapered second hand; at 12 o’clock, we have the applied Longine motif with Automatic in an attractive font; at 6 o’clock, “Conquest.” On the reverse, a screw-down case back with the golden medallion embossed Conquest fish and green enamel in the centre, inside an automatic Longines Cal. 19AS, 19 jewels, beating at a leisurely 18,000 beats per hour. It is paired with a well-suited 18mm strap.
Personal Note
I have been fortunate to have purchased and sold many nice vintage Longines Conquests, but this reference 9000-1 has to be the best yet with its sharp and unpolished case, plus the beautiful egg-shell dial with even and warm patina. These, just like all vintage watches, are getting harder and harder to source in great condition, the best of the best are often sat in collections and aren't going anywhere anytime soon, so when you can acquire an example like this, you should seriously consider it. Don't hesitate on this one, add it to your collection today!
The Brand
Longines was founded in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz and is considered to be the oldest registered watch brand. The Longines factory was opened in 1867 in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. From this date, the name Longines was present on their dials and the winged hourglass was engraved onto their movements. After visiting the Universal Exhibition of 1876 in the United States, Longines became pioneers in mechanised production. In 1880, the brand name was filed with the Federal Office of Intellectual Property; later, their logo was registered in 1889. Their first wristwatch with a single pusher, the calibre 13.33z, was introduced in 1913. They became the official supplier of the International Aeronautical Federation in 1919. Lindbergh, the aviator, and adventurer, worked with Longines to create the Hour Angle watch in 1927. Their first self-winding calibre 22A was produced in 1945. With continued innovation and technical achievements, Longines became the official timekeeper for Formula One in 1983 for 10 years. They also 2009 became the official timekeeper for the French Open at Roland Garros. Purchased in 1971 by ‘Ebauches SA’, Swiss watchmakers SSIH-owned Omega, Tissot, and Lemania, and ASUAG-owned Certina, Endura, Eterna, Hamilton, Longines, Mido, and Rado were merged in 1983 to become the Swatch Group in 1998.