Longines Weems & Lindbergh Oversized Vintage

amanico · 2012-10-25T00:19:27Z

Explore the Longines Weems and Lindbergh, vintage pilot watches with a substantial 48mm case. See collector insights on their appeal and wearability.

amanico

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

28 replies4520 views0 photos

Amanico's post delves into the allure of large vintage watches, specifically highlighting the Longines Weems. This article showcases a rare gathering of these impressive 48mm timepieces, including a New Old Stock example, challenging the common perception that vintage watches are often too small for modern tastes. The discussion explores how the Weems' design and historical context make its substantial size not just acceptable, but highly desirable.

I am not specially a big fan of very big watches, but I would happily make some exceptions to this rule, with for example, the Longines Weems.

Here is a picture which was taken during one of our Parisian GTGs, an incredible gathering of Weems:

3 Weems and a Lindbergh!

Yes, the watch is big ( circa 48 mm ), but how hard it is to resist to this beauty!

Here is a pciture of a NOS ( !!! ) one:

And when the inside is as beautiful as the outside, what to say?

I didn't find the wristshots I took, but yes, the wrist is fully filled, not too much, though, and the pleasure is intense.

Not to be worn on a suit, of course, but we are not always always wearing formal clothes!

Dreams in XXL, or when big watches haunt us...

How many are we to think that size may not be a problem?

Best,

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

Many collectors of modern watches find vintage pieces too small, making the larger Longines Weems and Lindbergh models appealing exceptions due to their wearable styling.
The beauty of these Longines watches changed one collector's perception, demonstrating that size is only an issue when there's inconsistency between dial, movement, function, and aesthetics.
The 48mm Weems, despite its size, is described as filling the wrist intensely but not excessively, offering significant wearing pleasure.
The Longines Weems and Lindbergh are recognized as some of the best pilot's watches ever made, with their oversized nature being appropriate for aviator functionality.
A collector with a 21cm wrist confirms the 47mm Weems wears well despite its thickness, providing a practical perspective on its wearability.
The original poster notes that the square-ish case of the Nautilus makes it a great watch to photograph, treating it as a work of art.

The Discussion

cp-easylife

Oct 25, 2012

Wow, they are so nice!

ztirual

Oct 25, 2012

Not so much of the Lindberg as much as those wonderful oversized Weems. Dial, case and movement are all sublime! Especially on that NOS item! I you ever stumble upon your friend, please beg him for a couple of wrist shots. Best- Z'

MattS

Oct 25, 2012

bad light, bad picture but you may still get the idea as I was lucky to play with it and try it on, and I have a strong wrists (21cm!), the watch is 47mm and thick! Matt

Ubik

Oct 25, 2012

Ahhhh - remember this well. The mint condition one you have is gorgeous, complete with the original strap and box. Amazing. If anything most of the collectors I meet who have modern watches, complain that they would like to find some vintage pieces but they are often too small. While they are big, somehow the styling of them makes them very wearable. Now this is a shop window I would have loved to see. One final mention if we're talking about size - the massive Breitling cases from the late Sixt

amanico

Oct 25, 2012

Will try to take some fresh and good pics of this NOS one. These Weems are high in my list. Best my friend. Nicolas

ztirual

Oct 25, 2012

Many thanks for posting this picture, Matts. Z'

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