Internet Horology Club 185
Is my "Dollar" watch a Longines L20B?

This topic can be found at:
https://ihc185.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/2291010082/m/3691080203

February 05, 2008, 20:21
David Abbe
Is my "Dollar" watch a Longines L20B?
This is a Private label, "E.V.Speer, Wausau, WI watch, s/n 649176. I hate to admit, I got it for a dollar at a garage sale. It runs great, keeping w/i 30 sec a day and . . .


February 05, 2008, 20:22
David Abbe
I liked the gold "Horsey" on the back cover . . .


February 05, 2008, 20:24
David Abbe
and when I got home, I opened it, and it sure looks like a Longines L20B c.a. 1880 - 90! Any thoughts on this?


February 05, 2008, 21:51
Donald Trumble
David,

I do not know much about the watch, but the case is a beauty!

Don
February 05, 2008, 21:56
Ray Hallenbeck
Very nice watch David, want to triple your money? Big Grin Looks like Longines to me.

Ray
February 05, 2008, 22:54
David Abbe
That Horse is solid Gold, My miracle watchmaker Vladimir went nuts when he saw it. I need a better 0.900 Hunter case for the Mvt, tho, as it looks to be re-cased. I have a special place in my heart for Longines as one stayed with me during a long and painful trip thru "jungle-land".
February 05, 2008, 23:29
Lindell V. Riddle

You did great Dave Smile you can buy watches for me anytime!

I remember in my childhood the voice of Andre' Baruch for "Longines, the World's Most Honored Watch" on radio and television. Longines watches are a class act all the way. Here is an Open-Face version that is even earlier...LONGINES 18-SIZE IN A BEAUTIFUL CASE! (ENDS TUESDAY 12TH AT 22:00)

I know little about these particular ones, but... Roll Eyes


I had to pay more than a dollar for this one...


February 08, 2008, 20:42
David Abbe
That's a real beaut Lindell, should pull good money at auction! I am fascinated by these older Longines Private Lab el;s, I have a Gladstone KW/KS that really "smells" Longiney, but there have been some "expert doubters". Any new opinions?


February 08, 2008, 20:43
David Abbe
It must be swiss, and it's a nice watch, even if it isn't Lon gines!


February 08, 2008, 20:43
David Abbe
Silver Case and all!


February 08, 2008, 20:44
David Abbe
Works like new and even keeps good time!


April 06, 2008, 13:42
Antonios Vassiliadis
David, you´re right, it´s a LONGINES.
My best regards
Tony

http://www.faszination-uhrwerk.de
April 06, 2008, 20:28
David Abbe
Antonios Thank you for the confirmation. You have a beautiful web site. What an inspiration!
April 07, 2008, 11:25
Antonios Vassiliadis
Hello David,
as you see, I love my hobby and do it with lot of enthousiasm. To present such nearly forgotten beautys I help others to identify them. Should be also a kind of help for auction houses.

With LONGINES you should have this book:
ISBN 978-2-9700558-5-3, Patrick Linder "At the Heart oh an Industrial Vocation"
This book should be in every library.

In this book I found your movement. The caliber 20B was key wound and first produced in 1869. Even that the movement design was in the opposite (your balance cock comes from right, the 20B from left), I estimate that the 20B had some versions like the old (early) and the second (newer) version. The better answer would be to measure the diameter and then look for the exact caliber type.
I´ll edit some rare LONGINES types later at my sites for you.
My best regards
Tony