A 1951 Longines Automatic ref. 625C 2

Powered by a reliable cal. 22A movement (which was the first in-house automatic movement Longines produced), this watch is a lovely example of Longines’ impeccable design language and ingenuity at a time that many would consider the brand’s peak. The 1950s were an undeniable golden period for Longines (and an important time in watchmaking as a whole) and this versatile model lives in the rare air between a sports watch and dress watch – which makes sense as it was produced at a time when the concept of a true sports watch was in its very infancy and the icons that defined the category – like the Rolex Submariner, Zodiac Seawolf, and Blancpain Fifty Fathoms – had not yet been released. This model was intended to be waterproof and featured a screw-down caseback, but sophisticated design touches like its sub-dial seconds hand, Breguet numerals, and a classic case shape (which is rendered in a decidedly beefier manner) offset this watch’s utilitarian focus.

At 35mm and featuring thicker lugs than most dress watches from the early ‘50s, this Longines has a decidedly vintage feel, but with a wrist presence that works with contemporary style. It’s a model and a marque that may currently fly under the radar, but we believe deserve your attention and will be increasingly collectible in coming years. Check the episode out in the video below!