Longines 30CH Flyback Chronograph Flea Market Find

nilomis · 2012-10-27T12:14:09Z

Discover a rare Longines flyback chronograph with a 30CH movement found at a flea market. See detailed photos and learn about this esteemed vintage timepiece.

nilomis

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

23 replies5799 views7 photos

Nilomis recounts a thrilling flea market discovery: a Longines flyback chronograph featuring the esteemed 30CH movement. This post captures the excitement of finding a rare vintage timepiece, offering a detailed look at its condition and the joy it brought to its new owner.

Team,

Today we did our weekly GTG and visit to a flea market (that is in front).

The day was very unproductive to all but one in the group. Weather was hot/wet and no one dared to go outside.

We stayed on the coffee shop more than usual just because outside there was nothing outside to us, meaning watches and other interesting things.

It so happens that one of our dear friends (the "agitated one") went out and returned after a few moments with a large smile in his face.

Stuttering he just said: "I cannot believe" and handle me this watch that he got for a song and a quid:

Yes, it's a Longines fly back chronograph with a 30CH movement.

This was the first time I see one "in flesh and metal". Prior to that, only in pictures and a great article by SteveG (Google SteveG Longines 30ch).

Yes, the hands are mixed but the dial seems to be original.

The plexy dome is ... Sexy.

The movement is clean but deserves a good oiling and cleaning session

Here is the inside of the case back.

Even the buckle, dirty for sure, seems to be original and carries the "DNA" of the original owner.

My friend, let's call him Mr. D., is a very lucky person and he is happy as a bird with his new acquisition.

Congratulations, Mr. D. and thanks by allowing me to share with us.

Cheers,

Nilo

Key Points from the Discussion

The Longines 30CH movement is identified as the brand's last in-house chronograph movement, produced from around 1947 for over two decades, and is highly regarded as one of the best in-house movements ever made.
The watch's hands are noted as being mixed, but the dial appears original, indicating a potential need for restoration to achieve full originality.
The plexiglass dome is highlighted as a 'sexy' feature, contributing to the watch's vintage charm and aesthetic appeal.
The movement, while clean, is recognized as needing a professional cleaning and oiling session to ensure optimal performance.
The chronograph seconds hand appears clipped, a common issue when a generic crystal without sufficient clearance is installed.
The buckle, despite being dirty, is believed to be original and carries the 'DNA' of the previous owner, adding to the watch's unique history.

The Discussion

amanico

Oct 27, 2012

It seems that this one is the 35 mm case. Here is a 37 mm case: Better than a 30 CH? Thr 13 ZN! Best, my friend. Nicolas

nilomis

Oct 27, 2012

I didn't put on my wrist to do a wrist shot because it was a little "unclean", if you know what I mean. I believe a caliber 30CH does not fit on a 35mm case. Cheers, Nilo

nilomis

Oct 27, 2012

When you mentioned 35mm, I called the owner to confirm. His words: 37-38mm Cheers, Nilo

nilomis

Oct 27, 2012

It's a plain steel snap in, no marks whatsoever. Nilo

nilomis

Oct 27, 2012

Here you have: Case back: Another from the dial side For sure this baby requires a good "shower". Cheers, Nilo

amanico

Oct 27, 2012

Pushers. Best, and thanks to him Nicolas

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Longines 30CH Flyback Chronograph Flea Market Find

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