Longines – Ref. 5045 Oversize Center Seconds Steel Watch – Cal. 12.68ZS

The reference 5045 is the oversized dress Longines of the 1950s, and one collectors chase. At a time when a men’s dress watch measured 33 to 35mm, the 5045 arrived at 37.5mm, a size so unusual for the period that dealers still reach for the oversized Patek Calatrava as the natural comparison. It wears even larger than its diameter suggests, thanks to a slim bezel and a wide, open center-seconds dial. Scarce then as a deliberately large watch, and scarce now.

A note on the reference. Collector research drawn from Longines’ own archives shows it was delivered almost exclusively to the Mediterranean, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Greece and to South America, between roughly 1944 and 1955, which accounts for how seldom it surfaces.

The steel case measures 37.5mm excluding the crown, in excellent condition with sharp, full lugs and its original geometry intact. Three-piece construction, signed caseback with the correct reference. The crown is a replacement.

The silvered centre-seconds silvered “arctic” dial is in excellent condition, showing only very light traces of time, with printed numerals and markers and the Longines logo intact. It is original and untouched. The plexi crystal is perfect.

The movement is the Longines calibre 12.68ZS, manual wind, one of the most respected Longines calibres of the era, in-house manufacture grade serviced and running correctly.

This watch is fitted with a new leather strap and it has been serviced by our in-house watchmaker so it is delivered with our six-month guarantee and our originality certificate.

Worldwide shipping is available and inquiries are welcome.