1908 Longines Antique Railroad Pocket Watch 55mm – Nickel Alloy Silver-Plated Case, Roman Dial, Open-Face Vintage Timepiece

A handsome survivor from the early age of precision timekeeping, this 1908 Longines open-face pocket watch captures the elegance of railway-grade design with its bold Roman dial, crisp blued hands, and clean silver-plated casework. Built during a transformative era for industrial travel, it embodies the reliability, clarity, and understated refinement that defined early 20th-century horology.
Beautifully preserved for its age, it remains a functional relic of craftsmanship—an artifact that bridges antique engineering and poetic nostalgia.

❤️ Description

This Longines 1908 Open-Face Pocket Watch (55mm) represents the artisan spirit of one of Switzerland’s most storied maisons. Known for their precision timekeeping and elegant railway-grade aesthetics, Longines crafted this era’s pocket watches with reliability and clarity at the forefront—allowing conductors, inspectors, and professionals to depend on them in demanding environments.

The silver-plated nickel alloy case presents a luminous sheen with graceful aging, complemented by its round open-face silhouette. The Roman numeral enamel dial is wonderfully proportioned, with a sub-seconds register at 6 o’clock and a clean, symmetrical layout that enhances readability. Deep-blued hands add the final touch of period-correct elegance.

Inside, the movement runs smoothly within typical antique tolerances (noted as within a few minutes per day). The watch winds with purpose, the balance wheel oscillates steadily, and its 29-hour power reserve aligns with early 20th-century mechanical design. Each component reflects a century-old legacy of reliable Swiss engineering.

At 55mm, this piece sits in the coveted “oversize” category—highly desirable for collectors of railway and industrial-era timepieces. The weight and tactile presence of the watch are unmistakably antique, offering a true connection to the craftsmanship and daily rituals of the past.

Whether displayed in a curated vintage collection or carried as a poetic companion piece, this Longines embodies the fusion of engineering, history, and timeless elegance.

✨ Highlights & Features

• 1908 Longines open-face antique pocket watch.

• Silver-plated nickel alloy case with classic period proportions.

• Roman numeral enamel dial with sub-seconds register.

• Blued steel hands in early 20th-century style.

• Large 55mm case diameter with strong presence.

• Smooth running movement within typical antique tolerances.

• Approx. 29-hour power reserve (measured).

• A beautiful example of early industrial-era Swiss watchmaking.

Item Details

Brand: Longines
Production Year: 1908
Movement: Manual wind
Jewels: Unspecified (typical era Longines configuration)
Dial: Roman numeral enamel
Case Material: Nickel Alloy with Silver-Plated Finish
Case Diameter: 55 mm
Case Thickness: Approx. 17 mm
Weight: 120 g
Features: Sub-seconds, blued steel hands
Notes: Light wear consistent with age; functional movement within ± a few minutes/day.

Condition Report

Condition Grade: Vintage Artifact Grade (VA Grade)
Early 1900s antique with clean presentation and functional movement.

Exterior:

• Silver plating shows natural patina.

• Case retains crisp shape with mild aging and handled wear.

• No major dents or structural damage noted.

Dial:

• Roman enamel dial shows very mild aging lines typical for period enamel.

• Hands retain strong blued coloration.

Crystal:

• Clear with only light antique-grade surface wear.

Movement:

• Operational; daily deviation within a few minutes (typical for 100+ year-old timepieces).

• Winds and sets smoothly.

This watch reflects genuine antique character consistent with a well-preserved 1908 Longines.

Why Collectors Want This Piece

• Oversized 55mm antique Longines watches are highly collectible.

• Roman enamel dials from this period remain increasingly scarce.

• Railway-style open-face watches have strong crossover appeal for both horology and history collectors.

• Early Longines mechanical movements are admired for reliability and engineering stability.

• The silver-plated nickel alloy case offers period authenticity and beautiful patination.

• Represents a tangible artifact from the early industrial age of global travel.

Brand Heritage — Longines

Founded in 1832, Longines stands as one of Switzerland’s oldest continually operating watchmakers. Known for their pioneering precision, railway-grade timekeeping, and timeless dial designs, Longines played a critical role in professional timing for navigation, transportation, and early sporting events.

Their pocket watches from the early 1900s showcase the maison’s classical identity: refined legibility, balanced proportions, and steady mechanical performance. This 1908 piece echoes that heritage—an authentic chapter of Longines history preserved through craftsmanship and time.

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