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Vintage Longines Rectangular Tank Watch and 1977 Silver Jubilee Crown

Vintage gold-tone Longines tank watch with honeycomb dial and a 1977 Silver Jubilee commemorative coin in a Midland Bank folder. - view 1
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Estimated value

$250 - $550

Rarity

Average(4/10)

Category

Watches

Brand

Longines

Era

c. 1950-1955 (Watch); 1977 (Coin)

Origin

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Authenticity

Very High(85%)
36

VINTAGE LONGINES RECTANGULAR TANK WATCH AND 1977 SILVER JUBILEE CROWN: IDENTIFICATION

A mid-20th century Longines rectangular 'tank' style wristwatch featuring a honeycomb-textured champagne dial, applied gold-tone dagger markers, and a sub-seconds register at 6 o'clock. Associated with a 1977 Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee commemorative crown coin (25 pence) struck by the Royal Mint in cupro-nickel, presented in a black vinyl Midland Bank folder.

Compare with other watches in the archive: Angus & Coote 'Faithful Lever' Pocket Watch (Elgin Movement) c.1915, Baume & Mercier Geneve Ladies Wristwatch c.1970s, Baume & Mercier Geneva Vintage Square Dress Watch c.1970.

CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS

Where This Object Echoes

Swiss Watchmaking1920-1955

The rectangular 'Tank' silhouette was a hallmark of Art Deco elegance that persisted into mid-century formal wear.

Ritual & Ceremonial Use

  • •Commemorative coins like the 1977 Jubilee crown were traditionally given to schoolchildren in the UK to mark royal milestones.

Meaning Through Time

1950s

The textured dial was a technical improvement intended to improve legibility in varying light conditions.

PRODUCTION & REFERENCE HISTORY

The watch utilizes a rectangular case profile pioneered in the 1920s but refined with the honeycomb dial texture characteristic of the 1950s production era. Longines movements from this period, such as the manual-wind Caliber 9L or 10L, were high-precision Swiss calibers. The 1977 coin was issued ...
The watch utilizes a rectangular case profile pioneered in the 1920s but refined with the honeycomb dial texture characteristic of the 1950s production era. Longines movements from this period, such as the manual-wind Caliber 9L or 10L, were high-precision Swiss calibers. The 1977 coin was issued to celebrate 25 years of the Queen's reign; approximately 37 million were minted in cupro-nickel (Royal Mint, 1977).

COLLECTOR NOTES

1

The 1977 Jubilee crown was the first British coin to feature the Queen on horseback since the 1953 Coronation crown.

SCARCITY

Average55-70%
CommonLegendary

Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

Rarity 4/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 11 watches items at rarity 4 or higher.

Typical Characteristics

  • Standard antique shop items
  • Regularly available
  • Moderate collector interest

Confidence Factors

  • Dial printing and Longines winged hourglass logo are consistent with 1950s archival examples
  • Brassing patterns on the case indicate authentic gold-filled or plated construction rather than modern solid gold fakes
  • 1977 Jubilee crown is a high-volume mintage item with negligible forgery incentive
How does authenticity detection work?

WATCHMAKER'S ASSESSMENT

Vintage Watchmaker & Horology Specialist

Horologist

High confidence in identification of both items based on clear dial markings and distinctive coin design; valuation is tempered by the visible condition issues of the watch case and crystal.

KEY EVIDENCE

  • 1Dial features a textured 'honeycomb' pattern typical of 1950-1956 production
  • 2Applied gold-tone dagger indices and alpha hands match mid-century Longines design language
  • 3Visible base metal (greenish/dark oxidation) on lug edges confirms case is gold-filled or plated
  • 4Coin is the standard 1977 25p Jubilee issue in original Midland Bank promotional packaging
  • 5Watch crown appears to be a smaller, period-correct replacement or original low-profile crown

UNCERTAINTIES

  • •Severe crystal fracture at 4 o'clock risks moisture entry to the movement
  • •Aftermarket expansion bracelet may have scratched the lug interior

WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

  • →Identify movement caliber (likely 9L or 10L) to confirm exact production year
  • →Check inner caseback for 'Gold Filled' or '14K' hallmarks
  • →Professional crystal replacement to prevent dial damage

CONDITION & GRADE

Watch: Fair (Grade 3/10); Coin: Uncirculated

Grading breakdown

Watch grade is limited by heavy crystal damage, significant plating loss (brassing), and an aftermarket expansion bracelet. Coin retains original luster despite some bag marks.

Condition

The watch crystal shows heavy scratching and a visible fracture at the 4 o'clock position. The case plating is worn through on the high points of the lugs and edges; the dial shows uniform patination. The coin appears to be in Uncirculated condition within its original bank folder.

WATCH MARKET VALUE

$250 - $550

Updated: May 11, 2026

Who buys this

Vintage Longines enthusiasts and entry-level horology collectors looking for mid-century design.

What increases value

  • •The honeycomb dial is a desirable variant among 1950s collectors
  • •Functionality of the manual-wind movement (unverified here) drives 60% of value

What lowers value

  • •Significant plating loss on lugs reduces appeal to 'mint condition' collectors
  • •Heavy crystal scratches obscure dial details and imply lack of recent servicing

What makes top-tier examples

  • •Solid 14k or 18k gold case
  • •Original signed buckle and lizard skin strap
  • •Pristine dial with no spotting or oxidation

Grade & condition

Case edge sharpness, dial cleanliness, and movement originality.

Rarity & demand

AverageModerate demandModerate liquidity
Browse similar watches objects

For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

FROM THE CABINET OF

OM

omnasir
Wonderseeker•1 item

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