Longines Flagship Ultrathin “Mirror Dial” Ref. 4039 (circa 1970s)

WHY WE CURATED IT:
Longines launched the Flagship range in 1957, one of its earliest named lines evoking leadership and apex status. Typified by minimalist robust design, sleek elegance and refinement. In the 70s, under threat from inexpensive Japanese quartz watches, Longines doubled down on its faith in traditional watchmaking and persisted with mechanical calibres in Flagships. Including this beauty here with its slim lugs, thin saucer profile and a black “mirror” dial. A less common variant, these don’t show up as often as the Ref. 4027, and even when they do, their condition is often unacceptable in our books. Happy to say this one has a fantastic case and movement, and a dial with very characterful aging. A time capsule of Longines’ restraint, making it a lovely daily with strikingly understated looks and perfect proportions.

CONDITION:
8/10, with hardly any hairlines. Sharp and possibly unpolished. Visible aging on the dial/crystal. Original signed crown. New aftermarket strap and buckle. Caseback engravings deep and sharp. Movement in excellent health, with above-spec power reserve, strong amplitude, low-to-negligible beat error and running ±5secs/day averaged from 6 timegrapher positions.

DIMENSIONS:
35mm width excl. crown
38.7mm length incl. lugs
6.6mm thickness
18mm lug width
Visual dial width ~25mm
Wrist in photos is 15.8cm in circumference

CRYSTAL:
Sapphire

CASE:
Steel

WATER RESISTANCE:
Assumed none, per vintage watches

STRAP:
Aftermarket black fabric-weave leather and buckle (16mm)

CALIBRE:
Longines Cal. L428, 2-hander manual-winding

COMES WITH:
Watch, aftermarket strap and buckle

TERMS OF SALE:
Please see our stories Highlight entitled “Terms” on our Instagram profile. Thanks!