Rare Vintage Circa 1938 Longines Calatrava —Steel — Legendary Cal. 12.68Z — 100% Original Patina

Up for sale is an absolute dream piece for any serious vintage watch connoisseur. Dating back to 1938, this remarkable pre-war Longines captures the pure essence of the golden era of Swiss watchmaking.

What makes this timepiece incredibly special is its iconic Calatrava-style case crafted from high-grade Staybrite stainless steel. It offers a stunning, powerful presence on the wrist that modern watches simply cannot replicate.

The dial is 100% original and has aged honestly over nearly nine decades, developing a gorgeous uniform "stardust" tropical patina. The real show-stoppers, however, are the breathtaking original blued steel syringe hands. When the light hits them just right, they come alive with a vibrant, deep blue pop that contrasts beautifully with the dial.

Inside, the watch is powered by the legendary, in-house Longines Caliber 12.68Z with a beautiful gilt finish. It is ticking away strongly and looking for its next passionate custodian.

Technical Specifications:

Brand: Longines (Swiss Made)
Year: Circa 1938 (Verified by serial numbers)
Movement: In-House Caliber 12.68Z (Manual wind, Sub-seconds)
Movement Serial: 5538391
Case Material: High-grade Staybrite Stainless Steel ("Acier Inox Staybrite")
Case Serial: 5583669 (Fully signed inner case back)
Case Diameter: Approx. 33 mm (excluding crown)
Dial & Hands: 100% Original dial with Arabic numerals and original blued steel hands
Condition Report:
This watch is kept in honest, unpolished vintage condition. The Staybrite case remains sharp with crisp step-bezel lines. The movement is exceptionally clean, running, and ticking smoothly. As with all vintage mechanical items, a routine service is always recommended for everyday use or optimal chronometric precision.
Please review the high-resolution photographs carefully, as they are a core part of the description.
Shipping & Terms:
Safe and secure worldwide shipping with full tracking details.
Packed with professional care to prevent any damage during transit.
Please note: Import duties, taxes, and local charges are the buyer's responsibility.
Opportunities to buy completely honest, pre-war steel Longines Calatravas do not come around often. Bid with confidence and add this museum-grade piece to your collection today!









Condition & Media: Sold exactly as shown. Review all pictures carefully; they form an integral part of the description and represent cosmetic condition.

⚠️ CRITICAL MOVEMENTS GUIDE & BUYER AGREEMENT:

⚙️ MANUAL WINDING: NO BATTERY. Powered by mainspring. Wind crown clockwise (15-20 turns) until you feel natural resistance. Do not force it. Rewind every 24-36h.

🔄 AUTOMATIC WATCHES: NO BATTERY. Powered by wrist movement. Arrives stopped due to transit. Shake gently for 30-60 seconds to start, then wear regularly.

🔋 QUARTZ WATCHES: Powered by battery. Fresh battery installed before shipping.

⏱️ VINTAGE ACCURACY & SERVICE: This is a 30-90 year old historic collectible, NOT modern quartz. Daily variance up to +/- 3 to 5 minutes is standard and expected. All timepieces are professionally inspected, tested, and serviced when necessary before listing. However, due to their antique nature, future routine maintenance or fine calibration over time remains the buyer's responsibility. Vintage watches have ZERO water resistance; keep away from moisture.

🚫 FRAUD PROTECTION: False returns (e.g. "defective" due to normal vintage variance or lack of battery) will be immediately reported to eBay as policy abuse.

💼 Selling Policy: All sales final. Ask questions BEFORE bidding/offering. If an item arrives damaged, contact us immediately to arrange a return.

✈️ Shipping & Customs Terms:
• Origin: Shipped from Ukraine via registered AirMail with tracking. Despite the war, our postal system works reliably and securely.
• Delivery: Due to wartime logistics and customs, shipping may take longer. We deeply appreciate your patience and support.
• Duties: Import taxes and fees are the sole responsibility of the buyer.

✉️ Customer Care: We strive for a 5-star experience. If any issues arise, contact us directly via eBay messages before leaving feedback. We resolve all concerns professionally.