Vintage Longines Ladies' Automatic Watch: A Small-Wristed Classic from the Golden Age

When we think of vintage watches, the spotlight often shines on big-name divers and chronographs. But there’s a world of elegant, mechanically rich women’s watches that deserve their own recognition. One of the most charming examples? The Longines automatic ladies' watches from the late 1960s to early 1970s.

A Timeless Offering from Longines

Longines, founded in 1832, has always stood for quality Swiss watchmaking. By the late '60s and early '70s, the brand had embraced automatic movements even in its smaller women’s models—a sign of both technical innovation and the changing lifestyles of women who wanted both beauty and functionality.

The model listed on Ricardo.ch represents a classic piece from this era: a small, stainless steel case measuring around 26mm, with a clean silver dial and date at 3 o'clock. It likely houses a Longines Caliber 5602 (or similar), an automatic Swiss movement with manual winding and quickset date.

Key Features

• Case: 26 mm stainless steel

• Movement: Longines automatic, likely Cal. 5602, 17 jewels

• Dial: Silver sunburst with applied indices and date at 3 o'clock

• Crystal: Domed acrylic

• Crown: Possibly signed (often replaced over time)

• Caseback: Snap-on, marked inside with Longines and reference numbers

• Strap: 12 mm lug width; leather or period steel bracelet

Quiet Elegance for Everyday or Occasion

The beauty of these watches lies in their understated design. With their modest size and clean lines, they work just as well today as a dressy minimalist statement. They’re versatile too: swap in a colored strap and it becomes a fresh everyday piece.

These Longines automatics weren’t just fashion watches—they were built to last, with shock protection, anti-magnetic components, and solid in-house or ETA-based movements.

Collector Notes & Market Value

These watches are still affordable, often trading hands between $100 and $300 USD depending on condition. Solid gold variants or very well-preserved examples with original boxes can fetch more. While not as hyped as men’s vintage watches, their relative rarity and charm make them a great pick for collectors, vintage lovers, or anyone looking for a thoughtful gift.

Look for pieces with clean dials, signed movements, and original parts when possible. Service history is a bonus but not always available.

Final Thoughts

Vintage Longines ladies' automatics are one of the best-kept secrets in the vintage watch world. They combine Swiss reliability, timeless design, and vintage charm in a compact package. Whether you're shopping for a loved one or yourself, this is a piece of horological history that still shines—quietly, beautifully, and reliably.