Longines History - Serial Numbers & Production Years Lookup
Longines Watch Company: History, Serial Numbers & Year of Production
Longines has been a pioneer in Swiss watchmaking for nearly two centuries. This guide covers the brand’s history, how to date your watch by serial number, and why vintage Longines remain among the most collectible Swiss timepieces available.
Longines Serial Number Lookup Tool
For quick access to checking your Longines serial number, use our interactive lookup tool here. Or use the full serial number table below to manually date your watch.
Brief History of Longines Watches
Founded in 1832 by Auguste Agassiz, Longines has been a pioneer in Swiss watchmaking for nearly two centuries. Initially operating through the traditional établissage system, the brand evolved significantly under Ernest Francillon, who centralized production in a factory on the “Les Longines” property — giving the company its iconic name.
The Longines “Winged Hourglass” logo, first registered in 1880, is the oldest trademark still in use in the watch industry today. By the early 1900s, Longines had become internationally recognized, producing precision timepieces renowned for quality and innovation.
Longines made significant advances in chronograph technology, developing timing devices used in major sporting events including gymnastics and equestrian competitions. Their aviator watches gained fame through associations with Charles Lindbergh, who collaborated on a special pilot’s watch for air navigation, and Amelia Earhart, who famously wore Longines on her pioneering flights.
Vintage Longines chronograph — see our Amelia Earhart Watch guide or browse our Longines collection.
Today, Longines is part of the prestigious Swatch Group, continuing to produce vintage-inspired and modern automatic watches that balance heritage with innovation. Vintage Longines watches remain highly collectible due to their timeless designs and reliable movements.
Longines Serial Numbers & Production Dates
Determining the production year of your Longines watch is best done using the serial number located on the movement inside the case, not the caseback. Use the table below to approximate your watch’s manufacturing year.
| Year | Serial Number |
|---|---|
| 1867 | 1 |
| 1870 | 20,000 |
| 1875 | 100,000 |
| 1882 | 250,000 |
| 1888 | 500,000 |
| 1893 | 750,000 |
| 1899 | 1,000,000 |
| Year | Serial Number |
|---|---|
| 1901 | 1,250,000 |
| 1904 | 1,500,000 |
| 1905 | 1,750,000 |
| 1907 | 2,000,000 |
| 1909 | 2,250,000 |
| 1911 | 2,500,000 |
| 1912 | 2,750,000 |
| Year | Serial Number |
|---|---|
| 1913 | 3,000,000 |
| 1915 | 3,250,000 |
| 1917 | 3,500,000 |
| 1919 | 3,750,000 |
| 1922 | 4,000,000 |
| 1925 | 4,250,000 |
| 1926 | 4,500,000 |
| Year | Serial Number |
|---|---|
| 1928 | 4,750,000 |
| 1929 | 5,000,000 |
| 1934 | 5,250,000 |
| 1937 | 5,500,000 |
| 1938 | 5,750,000 |
| 1940 | 6,000,000 |
| 1945 | 7,000,000 |
| Year | Serial Number |
|---|---|
| 1950 | 8,000,000 |
| 1953 | 9,000,000 |
| 1956 | 10,000,000 |
| 1959 | 11,000,000 |
| 1962 | 12,000,000 |
| 1966 | 13,000,000 |
| 1967 | 14,000,000 |
| Year | Serial Number |
|---|---|
| 1969 | 15,000,000 |
ⓘ This table covers serial numbers from 1867 to 1969. For post-1969 Longines watches, use our interactive lookup tool or contact us for assistance.
Vintage Longines monopusher chronograph — browse our Longines collection.
Why Collect Vintage Longines Watches?
Vintage Longines watches hold strong appeal due to their blend of history, craftsmanship, and design. Collectors prize Longines for:
- Rich Heritage: Over 190 years of watchmaking legacy
- Innovative Movements: Precision calibers and pioneering chronographs
- Timeless Designs: Classic styles that have endured changing trends
- Historical Significance: Connection to aviation, sports, and exploration
- Excellent Value: Generally more affordable than comparable Swiss brands while maintaining quality
Vintage Longines advertisement — browse our Longines collection.
Frequently Asked Questions — Longines Watches
Q: Where can I find the serial number on my Longines watch?
The serial number is engraved on the movement inside the watch, not the caseback. Opening the watch carefully — or having a watchmaker do it — is the best way to locate it.
Q: How accurate is the Longines serial number for dating my watch?
The movement serial number is the most reliable method to estimate the production year. Case numbers are less reliable as cases may have been replaced or reused.
Q: Can I identify my Longines model by its serial number?
The serial number primarily indicates the production date. Combined with the movement caliber and case style, it helps narrow down the exact model and reference.
Q: My serial number is higher than 15,000,000 — what year is my watch?
This table covers production up to 1969. For post-1969 Longines watches, use our interactive lookup tool or contact us for help.
Q: Where can I buy authentic vintage Longines watches?
Experts Watches offers a curated selection of authenticated vintage Longines timepieces, each inspected through our Certified Pre-Owned Program. Browse our Longines collection.
Vintage Longines Weems 10.68N chronograph — browse our Longines collection.
Q: Do you buy or trade vintage Longines watches?
Yes — Experts Watches buys, sells, and trades vintage Longines watches. Visit our Sell or Trade page or contact us for a professional appraisal.
Shop Longines Watches at Experts Watches
Explore our handpicked collection of genuine vintage Longines watches, featuring automatic, chronograph, and dress styles. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to vintage Swiss watches, our team provides trusted guidance to help you find the perfect Longines.
Discover our expert-curated library of vintage and luxury watch guides — serial number lookups, movement references, care tips, size guides, and more. Visit the Experts Watches Complete Watch Guides Reference Center →
Helpful resources
📚 Related guides at Experts Watches:
• Rolex Serial Number Lookup — date and identify your Rolex by serial number.
• Tudor Serial Number Lookup — date your Tudor by serial number and year.
• Omega Serial Number Guide — date and identify your Omega by serial number.
• Vintage Heuer Serial Number Guide — Autavia, Carrera, Monaco reference data.
• Watch Metal Codes Guide — decode Swiss hallmarks and case metal codes.
• Watch Movements That Changed the World — iconic calibres and their history.
Experts Watches is an independent dealer. All brand names are trademarks of their respective owners. Information provided for reference purposes only.
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