Longines ref 5483 (1947)

This is a stunning example of a Longines tool watch from the late 1940s. The dial is an unusual and appealing design, it was clearly designed for ease of reading in low light. The original radium-based luminous compound is very thickly applied and when new the watch must have glowed brightly in low light (now the luminosity of the compound is exhausted so it does not illuminate at all).

This is a classic example of a tool watch - that is a watch designed for a working environment as opposed to a dress watch for more relaxed occasions. The case has a screw down case back to vastly improve how it's sealed from the elements. The movement has shock protection, meaning the movement won't be damaged if the watch is accidentally dropped.

There's a great article about Longines sei tacche (six notches) here

Longines are unlike the majority of Swiss manufacturers, in that they actively support the community who collect their watches and they provide for free information from their archives. They supplied the below about this particular watch:
--
Further to your request, we are pleased to provide the information contained in Longines' handwritten registers.

The original serial number 7'180'158 identifies a wristwatch in stainless steel bearing the reference 5483 and the order number 23341. It is fitted with a Longines manually wound mechanical movement, caliber 12.68N and was invoiced on 3 May 1947 to the company Hakkak, which was at that time our agent for Iran.
--

The watch is a great size at 35.5mm - generous for vintage pieces and has a pleasing presence on the wrist. The movement has been fully serviced and is running excellently and keeping time accurately. The watch is supplied with a reproduction of a vintage military-style pull through strap, which I feel really complements the watch.

Case diameter (excluding winding crown): 35.5mm
Case material: stainless steel
strap width: 18mm
time keeping: grade A