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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Flyback chronograph wristwatch

Longines Flyback Chronograph Reference 5681

Partially verified

This Longines flyback chronograph, identified as reference 5681 and dating to circa 1950, is a manual-wind wristwatch housed in a stainless steel, two-body case. The timepiece features polished and brushed finishes with concave lugs. Its silvered, brushed dial includes luminous Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, and an outermost fifths-of-a-second scale, complemented by a subsidiary seconds register. The watch is powered by the Longines caliber 12.68Z, a 15-ligne, rhodium-plated movement featuring 17 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a monometallic balance with shock absorber. The auction description notes that the movement is rhodium-plated with fausses cotes decoration and is regulated by an index regulator. The watch is presented on a strap, and the auction house reports that the dial has been reprinted and the hands have been partially replaced.

Front view of the Longines flyback chronograph, ref. 5681.
Front view of the Longines flyback chronograph, ref. 5681. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Flyback chronograph wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Longines
Reference
5681
Catalogue / lot identifier
74
Source-reported date
circa 1950
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
7417978

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 and Dial

The watch is constructed as a two-body case with a diameter of approximately 37mm. The stainless steel exterior exhibits both polished and brushed surfaces, with distinct concave lugs. The case back is of the snap-on variety and is numbered.

The dial is silvered and brushed, displaying luminous Arabic numerals. It incorporates an outer minute track and an outermost fifths-of-a-second scale. A subsidiary seconds dial is positioned for constant seconds, and the watch features luminous baton hands alongside a central minute register hand.

Evidence for this section
  • “Two-body, polished and brushed, numbered snap-on case back, concave lugs with underside numbered 10.”
  • “Brushed, silvered, with luminous Arabic numerals, outer minute track, outermost fifths of a second scale, subsidiary seconds dial for constant seconds.”

Movement and Escapement

The timepiece is powered by the manual-wind Longines caliber 12.68Z. This 15-ligne movement is finished with rhodium plating and fausses cotes decoration. It is equipped with 17 jewels and a straight-line lever escapement.

Technical features of the movement include a monometallic balance with a shock absorber. The escapement is controlled by a self-compensating Breguet balance spring and an index regulator for timing adjustments.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 12.68Z, 15''', rhodium-plated, fausses cotes decoration, 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, index regulator.”

Condition and Authenticity

The auction description provides a grade of AA, indicating a very good condition for the case and movement. The movement number is listed as 7417978.

Regarding the dial and hands, the auction documentation states that the dial is reprinted. Additionally, the hands are noted to be partially replaced, and both elements show signs of patina and spotting.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial: 53-06-10-18 Reprinted”
  • “HANDS Partially replaced”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific history of the '10' mark found on the underside of the lugs?
  • Is the case numbering related to the production batch for the 12.68Z caliber series?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Longines Flyback Chronograph Reference 5681
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerLongines“LONGINES, SWISS MADE”
Reference5681“REF. 5681”
Movement Serial Number7417978“Movement No. 7417978”
Caliber12.68Z“Caliber 12.68z”
Case MaterialStainless steel“stainless steel”
Datecirca 1950“Year circa 1950”
Jewels17“17 jewels”
Case diametercirca 37mm“Diameter circa 37mm”

Visible details

  • Concave case lugs
  • Luminous Arabic numerals on dial
  • Single pusher configuration for chronograph
  • Subsidiary seconds dial at the bottom of the main dial

Research qualifications

  • The auction description reports the dial is reprinted
  • The auction description reports the hands are partially replaced
  • The auction description recommends an overhaul for the movement

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

Consulted source

LONGINES, SWISS MADE, REF. 5681, FLYBACK, STAINLESS STEEL

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 29344f6137

Terms in this record

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

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