Horological Meandering

Can it get more classic?

 

Since a long time already, I am absolutely fascinated by the clean and elegant design of old golden chronographs, from the 50s and 60s. The good thing is that these vintage watches can be bought quite cheaply now, the bad thing is: I can't wear them.

• First of all, they are too small. With diameters between 32 and 35mm and my rather massive wrist, the combination simply looks ridiculous.
• Then, it is generally known that the gold cases of that time are so thin that some of them can be dented by pressing them with the finger only.
• Finally, they do not have a date window. Some have a tiny pointer date, which I cannot read any more, but that's it.

This was the situation, until, some three years ago, I found a new watch in a catalogue, that looked exactly like the old, beautiful chronographs, but avoided the problems mentioned above:

• Its case has a diameter of 38mm, the smallest size I still consider as wearable for me.
• The beautiful red gold case follows current standards in size, weight and solidness.
• And, due to its ETA 2894 movement, it has a neat and legible date window at 6.

The watch I am speaking about is a Longines Flagship chronograph, a re-edition of a classic 1957 model. I thought a lot about his watch, and now I finally brought it home:



This "Flagship" features a hesalith-crystal, and a slightly domed silver-coated dial with applied hour markers, the hands even have some luminous elements (important for me). I like the shaped pushers that are typical for the 50s and 60s designs, but those on the re-edition are not so thin and sharp as the pushers on the old chronographs.







Finally, the "Flagship" has this attractive solid gold caseback with the enamel medaillon, showing a full-rigger under sails:



The only problem is the black alligator strap. While of very high quality, it is too short for me, and additionally, I think that black straps are a bit too strong in contrast. Therefore, I ordered an extra-long dark brown calfskin strap, sewed English-style from Hirsch, so I hope I can wear the watch during the Easter holidays.

Regards,Marcus