Longines Lyre Quartz Yellow Gold PVD (Ref. L4.759.2.11.2 / L4.759.2.11.8)
Dress Watch · Longines (The Swatch Group). Longines is positioned as a 'Premium' tier brand with a massive heritage in both sports timing and elegant dress watches.
Period: Neo-Vintage / Modern Luxury (Late 1990s - 2010s). The design utilizes a classic thin-profile aesthetic influenced by mid-century dress watches but updated with modern PVD coating and a precise quartz movement.
Type
Dress Watch
Brand
Longines (The Swatch Group). Longines is positioned as a 'Premium' tier brand with a massive heritage in both sports timing and elegant dress watches.
Movement
Swiss Quartz, typically the Longines Calibre L157 (based on ETA 255.111). It features hours, minutes, seconds, and a quick-set date. Expected battery life is 2-3 years with high precision.
Dimensions
Case diameter: 35mm; Thickness: 7mm; Lug-to-lug: 39mm; Lug width: 18mm. It wears larger than a vintage 35mm due to the long, flowing lyre lugs but remains a slim profile for shirt cuffs.
Description
The Longines Lyre is an exercise in classic Swiss elegance. Named for the distinct shape of its lugs which resemble the ancient musical instrument, the watch offers a timeless aesthetic that feels both traditional and modern. Its ultra-slim profile and delicate beads-of-rice bracelet make it an ideal choice for black-tie events or professional settings where subtlety is preferred over bulk.
Key Features
Signature 'Lyre' lugs with a graceful curve; ultra-thin quartz profile; intricate beads-of-rice bracelet; traditional Roman numeral markers.
Dial Description
Matte white dial with printed black Roman numeral indices. Slim gold-tone baton hands. A date window is positioned at 3 o'clock with a white disc and black numerals. The Longines winged hourglass logo is printed below 12 o'clock.
Case Material
Yellow Gold PVD-coated Stainless Steel. The finish is high-polish throughout, providing a bright, mirrored appearance synonymous with luxury formal wear.
Crystal Type
Flat Scratch-Resistant Sapphire crystal. Condition appears clear with no visible chips or edge damage in the provided photo.
Bezel Details
Fixed, stepped/concave polished bezel integrated into the case design. It is made of PVD-coated stainless steel and serves to frame the dial while maintaining a slim vertical profile.
Crown & Pushers
Push-pull crown, small and knurled for grip. Features the Longines logo on the face. No crown guards, typical for a formal dress watch.
Bracelet or Strap
Beads-of-rice style bracelet in yellow gold PVD-coated stainless steel. It uses a hidden butterfly deployment clasp for a seamless look around the wrist.
Caseback Details
Solid, snap-on stainless steel caseback. Usually features the Longines logo, model name 'Lyre', reference number, and serial number. Not visible in the photo but standard for this quartz model.
Movement Type
Swiss Quartz, typically the Longines Calibre L157 (based on ETA 255.111). It features hours, minutes, seconds, and a quick-set date. Expected battery life is 2-3 years with high precision.
Water Resistance
30 meters (3 ATM). Splash-resistant only. Not suitable for swimming, showering, or immersion. Maintain gaskets to prevent moisture ingress from humidity.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made. Manufactured in Saint-Imier, Switzerland. Uses an in-house adjusted ETA movement provided by the parent company, Swatch Group.
Age Estimate
Circa 2005-2015. This specific Roman numeral layout and bracelet configuration were staples of Longines' entry-level luxury catalog during this decade.
Cultural Significance
The Lyre represents the democratized luxury of the late 20th century, providing Swiss prestige and high-end finishing at a price point accessible to young professionals. It maintains the classic 'Gentleman's watch' archetype.
Condition Notes
Good condition. The PVD plating appears intact with no major 'brassing' (wearing through to the steel). The crystal is clear. Grade: Very Good.
Value Estimate
Used Market Value: £250 - £450. The shown sale price of £95 is significantly below market value, suggesting a 'steal' or a motivated private seller. Retail was approximately £700-£850.
Care & Maintenance
Battery changes should be performed every 2-3 years to prevent leakage. The PVD coating should be cleaned only with a microfiber cloth; avoid abrasive polishing compounds which will strip the gold layer. Water seals should be checked if the battery is replaced.
Similar Watches
Raymond Weil Maestro (Automatic vs Quartz), Tissot Carson (similar price point), Frederique Constant Slimline (more vintage-inspired), Omega De Ville Prestige (higher market tier).
Interesting Facts
Longines has one of the oldest registered logos in watchmaking (the winged hourglass, registered in 1889). The 'Lyre' collection is part of the 'Elegance' pillar of their catalog, designed to be more accessible than the flagship 'Master Collection'.