Longines "6 tacche" radium

A refined expression of post-war Swiss watchmaking, this Longines time-only reference represents one of the most balanced and architecturally interesting executions of the late 1940s. What immediately sets it apart is its rare oversized proportion for the era: a full 36mm case, unusually large for its time, giving the watch a strong contemporary presence while maintaining vintage elegance.

The stepped case construction is one of its defining design features. The layered geometry of the lugs and mid-case creates a subtle play of light and shadow, adding depth and structure without compromising the clean, functional identity of the watch. This architectural approach elevates what would otherwise be a minimal time-only piece into something far more sophisticated from a case design perspective.
The cream dial has aged uniformly, developing a warm tone that complements the period-correct radium-filled indexes.

The layout remains perfectly balanced, prioritizing legibility and harmony. The patina is consistent and natural, reinforcing the authenticity of the watch without compromising its clarity.
Inside, the respected Longines calibre 12.68Z ensures reliability and robustness. Known for its longevity and serviceability, it remains one of the most important manual-wind movements of the brand’s mid-century production.

The case back and lugs show matching numbers under the lugs, confirming integrity and originality of the case set. Dated to circa 1948 (serial 7.6xx.xxx), this example sits in the early post-war production phase, when Longines was defining the technical and aesthetic standards that would later become reference points for the industry.