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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Cushion-form manual wind wristwatch

Longines 18K Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch

Partially verified

This cushion-form 18k gold manual wind wristwatch by Longines is dated by the auction house to circa the 1940s. Measuring 30mm across, the yellow gold case features fixed wire lugs and a snap-on case back recorded under number 5518848. Its aged dial displays applied gilt Breguet Arabic numerals, an outer railway minute track, gilt hands, and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock. According to Bonhams, the watch is powered by a 16-jewel manual wind calibre 27.0 movement bearing serial number 5632884, with signatures present on the case, dial, and movement.

Dial and case view of the cushion-shaped Longines 18k gold manual wind wristwatch
Dial and case view of the cushion-shaped Longines 18k gold manual wind wristwatch — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.bonhams.com
Category
Wristwatch · Cushion-form manual wind wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Longines
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
44
Source-reported date
c. 1940s
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
5518848

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case Form and Construction

The timepiece features an 18k yellow gold case described in the Bonhams catalogue as a "Polished cushion form, snap on case back, No. 5518848", measuring 30mm across. Visual inspection of the exterior confirms the cushion-shaped case and reveals fixed wire lugs intended for an open-ended or slip-through band.

Physical inspection of the visible metalwork notes that the "Cushion-shaped yellow gold case with fixed wire lugs showing minor distortion on the lower bar". The lot is catalogued without an accompanying strap or buckle.

Evidence for this section
  • “Polished cushion form, snap on case back, No. 5518848”
  • “Cushion-shaped yellow gold case with fixed wire lugs showing minor distortion on the lower bar”

Dial Design and Surface Condition

Bonhams describes the dial as "White, applied gilt Breguet Arabic numerals, black outer minute track, subsidiary dial at 6 for seconds, gilt hands". Visible observations confirm the presence of applied gilt Breguet-form Arabic numerals, Breguet-style hands, a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock, and a black outer railway minute track.

While catalogued as white, direct photographic observation notes that the "Dial exhibits widespread granular patina and age darkening, particularly around the perimeter". The dial edge is additionally observed to bear the text 'SWISS MADE' along the lower perimeter.

Evidence for this section
  • “White, applied gilt Breguet Arabic numerals, black outer minute track, subsidiary dial at 6 for seconds, gilt hands”
  • “Dial exhibits widespread granular patina and age darkening, particularly around the perimeter”

Reported Movement and Documentation Limits

According to the auction listing, the wristwatch is driven by a "16-jewel Cal.27.0 manual wind, No. 5632884" movement, with the overall piece signed across "Case, dial, and movement". The auctioneer assigns an estimated production date of "c. 1940s".

Because neither the internal movement nor the inside of the case back is shown in the provided photographic documentation, the caliber reference, internal serial number, and movement signatures cannot be visually verified from the available image.

Evidence for this section
  • “16-jewel Cal.27.0 manual wind, No. 5632884”
  • “Signed: Case, dial, and movement”
  • “c. 1940s”

Open research questions

  • What specific hallmarks and manufacturer markings are stamped on the interior of case back No. 5518848?
  • Does the Longines historical archive confirm that calibre 27.0 movement No. 5632884 matches case No. 5518848, and what is its invoiced delivery date and destination?
  • Does physical examination under magnification reveal whether the granular dial surface has undergone prior restoration or refinishing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Longines 18K Gold Manual Wind Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement16-jewel Cal.27.0 manual wind, No. 5632884“16-jewel Cal.27.0 manual wind, No. 5632884”
Case Number5518848“Case: Polished cushion form, snap on case back, No. 5518848”
Case Size30mm“Size: 30mm”
SignaturesCase, dial, and movement“Signed: Case, dial, and movement”
DialWhite, applied gilt Breguet Arabic numerals, black outer minute track, subsidiary dial at 6 for seconds, gilt hands“Dial: White, applied gilt Breguet Arabic numerals, black outer minute track, subsidiary dial at 6 for seconds, gilt hands”
ProvenanceProperty from a Private Canadian Collection“Property from a Private Canadian Collection”
Sale PriceUS$409.60 inc. premium“Sold for US$409.60 inc. premium”

Visible details

  • Cushion-shaped yellow gold case with fixed wire lugs showing minor distortion on the lower bar
  • Dial exhibits widespread granular patina and age darkening, particularly around the perimeter
  • Applied gilt Breguet Arabic numerals paired with Breguet-style hands and a subsidiary seconds register at 6 o'clock
  • Outer railway minute track and 'SWISS MADE' printed across the bottom edge of the dial

Research qualifications

  • Movement and interior case back are not depicted in the provided photograph
  • Supplied without a strap or buckle

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Bonhams : LONGINES. AN 18K GOLD MANUAL WIND WRISTWATCHc. 1940s

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record d560067ba6

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.