Longines 21568, Cal. 12.68z, Men’s Dress Vintage Watch, 1940s

Longines 21568 1940s — First Impression - 21568

The Longines Ref. 21568 makes an immediate impression with its balanced oversized 35 mm stainless-steel case and minimalist dial layout. The cream-toned dial with small seconds exudes understated elegance, perfectly complemented by blackened feuille hands for exceptional legibility. This is a watch that embodies vintage Swiss watchmaking finesse and the understated style of wartime-era wristwatches.

Longines 21568 - Cream Dial with Small Seconds

The dial of this Longines features a warm cream tone, evenly patinated with age, giving it an authentic vintage charm. Its small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock is proportionate and well-integrated, preserving the clean symmetry of the design. The printed minute track and applied hour markers are crisp and legible, creating a refined, functional appearance.

21568 - Blackened Leaf Hands

The watch is fitted with elegant blackened leaf-shaped hour and minute hands, a design hallmark of Longines pieces from this period. The thin small-seconds hand adds a subtle touch of precision to the dial, emphasizing the watch’s focus on functionality and clarity.

Longines 21568 - Oversized Stainless-Steel Case

The polished stainless-steel case measures 35 mm, a generous size for the 1940s, enhancing its presence on the wrist. The thin bezel and long lugs provide a modern wearing experience despite its vintage origins. The domed acrylic crystal completes the look, offering excellent visibility and a period-correct profile.

21568 - Crown

The crown is appropriately small and unsigned, blending seamlessly into the case design and maintaining the sleek profile of the watch. Its placement ensures easy hand-winding while preserving the vintage aesthetic.

Longines 21568 Olive NATO Strap

This example comes mounted on a military-inspired olive NATO strap, adding versatility and a subtle nod to its wartime heritage. The strap ensures a secure and comfortable fit, making the watch suitable for daily wear.

Manual Wind Caliber 12.68z — Technical Masterpiece

At the heart of this timepiece beats the Longines Caliber 12.68z, a 15-jewel manual-wind movement renowned for its precision and durability. Produced during an era when Longines was supplying watches for military and civilian use alike, this caliber represents the peak of mid-20th-century Swiss horology. Its reliability ensures accurate timekeeping and makes it a highly desirable movement for collectors.

Heritage of the Longines 21568 in the 1940s

The 1940s marked a significant period for Longines as the brand solidified its reputation for producing robust and precise timepieces during wartime. References like the 21568 are celebrated for their simplicity, reliability, and ability to transition from the field to formal occasions. This model is a fine representation of the brand’s dual commitment to function and elegance.

Longines 21568 — Condition, Originality, and Trust

This Longines Ref. 21568 is fully serviced, fully operational, and composed of all original components. It carries a 12-month warranty for peace of mind and worldwide shipping is available. For more Longines models with similar heritage, visit our Longines vintage watches collection. To explore other exceptional timepieces from this period, discover our full selection of 1940s and 1950s vintage watches available in the store.