Longeau Vintage Field/Military Style Watch
Field Watch / Military-Style Dress Watch · Longeau, a historical Swiss watch brand/assembler operating during the mid-20th century, falling into the vintage accessible tier
Period: Vintage (1940s-1950s) Tool Watch Era
Type
Field Watch / Military-Style Dress Watch
Brand
Longeau, a historical Swiss watch brand/assembler operating during the mid-20th century, falling into the vintage accessible tier
Movement
Manual-wind mechanical movement with sub-seconds complication, likely a vintage Swiss ebauche such as AS, ETA, or Unitas running at 18,000 vph
Dimensions
Case diameter approximately 33-35mm, thickness 10mm, lug-to-lug 40-42mm, lug width 18mm
Description
This charming vintage Longeau timepiece captures the quintessential aesthetic of mid-century military and field watches. Featuring a highly legible black sector dial, warm aged luminous Arabic numerals, and a classic sub-seconds register at six o'clock, it exudes authentic mid-century character. Encased in a traditional round case with sharp, angular lugs, it represents the robust, utilitarian design philosophy of post-war European watchmaking.
Key Features
Black sector dial with railroad minute track, full Arabic numeral hour markers, sub-seconds subdial at 6 o'clock, and classic vintage proportions
Dial Description
Black matte sector dial with full Arabic numeral luminous hour markers, outer railroad minute track, luminous cathedral or syringe hands, and a sub-seconds register at the 6 o'clock position
Case Material
Chrome-plated or stainless steel case with polished bezel and brushed/polished mid-case
Crystal Type
Domed acrylic / hesalite crystal with minor surface scratches
Bezel Details
Fixed smooth bezel integrated into the round case design
Crown & Pushers
Plain unsigned push-pull crown located at the 3 o'clock position
Bracelet or Strap
Currently head-only, designed for a traditional 18mm leather or canvas strap
Caseback Details
Solid snap-on stainless steel case back
Movement Type
Manual-wind mechanical movement with sub-seconds complication, likely a vintage Swiss ebauche such as AS, ETA, or Unitas running at 18,000 vph
Water Resistance
None (Vintage watch, not water resistant)
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, utilizing a Swiss mechanical movement typical of smaller independent brands from the mid-century era
Age Estimate
Circa 1940s-1950s based on dial typography, case geometry, and sub-seconds layout
Cultural Significance
Represents the accessible Swiss watchmaking landscape of the mid-20th century, where robust mechanical watches became everyday companions for professionals and laborers alike
Condition Notes
Good vintage condition. The case shows moderate wear and plating loss consistent with age. The dial exhibits lovely patina with aged luminous material on the numerals and hands. The crystal shows light surface wear.
Value Estimate
Estimated secondary market value ranges between $150 to $400 USD depending on the mechanical condition, movement quality, and whether it is paired with a quality strap
Care & Maintenance
Handle with care due to vintage age; avoid all contact with moisture as vintage gaskets offer no reliable water resistance. Recommend a professional mechanical service if running, and manual winding should be done gently until resistance is felt.
Similar Watches
Vintage Omega military-style watches, Tissot field watches, Longines vintage manual-wind models, and vintage Buren timepieces
Interesting Facts
Many brands like Longeau utilized reliable Swiss ebauche movements during the mid-20th century watch boom, supplying durable and stylish timepieces to civilian and military markets across Europe