Longines - Open-face enamel dial sub-seconds - 3346480 - 1900-1949

Introduction

A handsome antique Longines open-face pocket watch featuring a crisp white enamel dial with bold Roman numerals, blued-steel hands, and a subsidiary seconds register at the lower centre, signed 'LONGINES' in elegant script. The watch winds and sets via the crown in the fully keyless manner and runs smoothly. It comes accompanied by an original presentation box stamped 'K. HATTORI Art Jeweller, Ginza Tokyo', establishing that it was retailed through K. Hattori's prestigious Ginza flagship — the forerunner of today's Seiko Holdings.

Historical / Era context

Longines of Saint-Imier, Switzerland has been producing precision pocket watches since 1867, and by the late Meiji and Taisho eras their movements were among the most respected imports available in Japan, sold through leading retailers such as K. Hattori of Ginza. K. Hattori & Co. Was the exclusive agent for Longines in Japan during this period and maintained a celebrated showroom on the Ginza — the box confirming this provenance places this watch firmly within that prestigious retail channel. The large 44.6 mm open-face case, prominent Roman-numeral enamel dial, and subsidiary seconds layout are characteristic of the quality gentleman's dress pocket watches that Longines exported to the Japanese market in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Condition

The watch is running and keeping good time. The watch was checked lying flat (dial up) after a full wind. This is a spot check at the time of listing; as a vintage mechanical watch the rate in actual wear varies with position and winding state, and long-term accuracy is not guaranteed. As a vintage timepiece it may benefit from a service.

Case: The case surfaces show scattered fine scratches and light age-related wear consistent with honest use; the overall form remains well-preserved with no major dents or deep gouges. The snap back closes and secures the movement correctly but does not click fully home in the same positive manner as when new — it stays shut and the movement is protected, but the closing action is not as crisp as original.

Dial: The white enamel dial is in excellent condition for its age, with all Roman numerals and the 'LONGINES' signature fully legible. There is a small hairline crack visible on the enamel at the upper left area of the dial, as is common on antique enamel dials of this period; there is no significant staining or flaking.

Crystal: The mineral crystal is present and the dial is clearly readable through it; there is a visible crack in the crystal.

Movement: The watch is running. With the caseback opened the movement is visible and in clean condition. The Longines movement shows the brand's characteristically fine finishing on the bridges and plates.

Accessories: Accompanied by a period presentation box stamped 'K. HATTORI Art Jeweller, Ginza Tokyo' — authenticity as original Longines box is unconfirmed but the retailer stamp is genuine. No papers, no chain.

Please review all photographs carefully for the detailed condition.

Specifications

Brand: Longines
Model: LONGINES
Movement: Manual winding mechanical movement
Case material: Chromed
Case diameter: approx. 44.6 mm
Total length including crown: approx. 56.6 mm
Total length including crown and ring: approx. 63.7 mm
Dial color: White
Weight: approx. 71 g
Accessories: Presentation box (K. Hattori Art Jeweller, Ginza Tokyo)
In working order: Yes
Timekeeping: keeping good time (checked lying flat after a full wind)

Closing note

This is a rare opportunity to acquire an antique Longines pocket watch with documented Japanese retail provenance through K. Hattori of Ginza, complete with its period presentation box — a compelling piece for both Longines collectors and students of Meiji/Taisho-era horology. Please examine all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
As with all vintage timepieces, please examine the provided photographs carefully to satisfy yourself with the condition before bidding. The watch is sold as a vintage collectible; water resistance and future maintenance are not guaranteed.
The item is carefully packed and shipped from Japan with tracking.
Import duties, taxes and customs charges are the buyer's responsibility.