Why I sold a watch I loved: Longines Heritage Military
I fell in love as soon as I saw it in photos. As a fan of military watches, I loved the idea of a watch that looked just like the watches issued to the Royal Air Force in WWII but with modern specs. I had also just seen that style of watch worn by Tom Hardy in "Dunkirk" (2017). So I trooped down to the nearest Longines AD and put in my order.
Then the watch arrived.
As soon as I put it on my wrist, I realized my mistake. "Modern" also meant modern proportions. The watch had been sized up to a more contemporary case size of 38.5mm. (The originals were around 34mm.)
For the next few years I tried to love it, putting it on the wrist but never wearing it longer than a day. It just wasn't working for me. The watch I actually wanted was much smaller and nothing was going to change that.
So today I finally sold it. I sold it for less than I paid, of course, but I just didn't want to hang on to a watch that just sat in the closet, gathering dust. Hopefully it will bring its new owner joy.
There's a lesson here, Crunchers. Don't fall in love with photos. Know the dimensions of the watches you like and how they wear. Usually that's the relationship between case size, lug-to-lug, thickness, etc. But also, in this case, know that a watch without a bezel makes the dial look much larger on the wrist. If you prefer smaller watches, like me, all these things matter.
Watch hobbyist and collector from Singapore. More watch photos on Instagram @twolfwatches
Beautiful, perfect size for my tastes but I get it. Hope you find what you are looking for - maybe a CWC Mellor or antique Omega would fit your requirements better .
Good advice to not rely on pics, & good luck with your hunt 👍🏻👍🏻
Beautiful, perfect size for my tastes but I get it. Hope you find what you are looking for - maybe a CWC Mellor or antique Omega would fit your requirements better .
Good advice to not rely on pics, & good luck with your hunt 👍🏻👍🏻
Right now my favorites are my 36mm Explorer and my 36mm Tudor Sub. I may just pull the trigger on a 35mm Nivada Grenchen, which would scratch that vintage itch.
If you loved the look of the Longines, you might want to look into a Smiths PRS-29AM. Very similar look, 36mm case.
If you loved the look of the Longines, you might want to look into a Smiths PRS-29AM. Very similar look, 36mm case.
Ooh great reco! 😍
How about the Hamilton Pilot Pioneer mechanical? It's 36x33 dimensions sound right up your alley. Also available in a white or blue dial.