Here we have an excellent, early and original example of a Longines Tre Tacche Stainless Steel Waterproof Sports watch. Dating to 1936, this is the 30mm case variation. It is a reference 3777, which features an eye-catching patinated silver sector dial, and the stepped lunette disque (disc bezel) design. It has the original thermally blued leaf style hands, with the original sub-second hand. The case is in good unpolished condition, with the original mix of polished and brushed surfaces. The chunky waterproof crown design is also original. The Tre Tacche screw back has the clear original engraving with the serial number and corresponding, matching code between the back and rear of the lug. It has a personal engraving to the rear, from the original owner. Inside is the Longines calibre 10.68z movement, which dates to 1936. It is secured in place by the original movement ring. It has been recently serviced and has a variation of 10 seconds a day.
A German advert of the time shared by Pharos vintage watches, shows the reference 3777 in all its glory, with Longines clearly proud of their achievement stated; “In response to the wishes of the sporting world, Longines after overcoming initial difficulties, has guaranteed waterproof watches. With its pleasing exterior, the robust case made of Stainless Steel and the excellent movement, it embodies the ideal watch for practicing sportsman.”
This period of Longines Tre Tacche watches are sought after by collectors, and for good reason. They represent a harmonious blend of form and function. A considered design, with a balanced sector dial and an eye-catching disc bezel design. Robust with the stainless-steel case and waterproof case properties. What more could you want from a vintage watch?
The dial offers the beauty of a sector design, with an even and pleasant speckled patination. The base tone consists of silver to the centre, with the off-white chapter surrounding it with the minutes railroad track and extended hour dashes. The exterior of the dial has the aged silver tone ring, providing a clean separation between the markers and the bezel. To the base it is signed Fab Suisse. The hour markers consist of the thick elongated dash markers with alternating Arabic numerals. The time is shown by the thermally blued leaf style hands, which shine in the light. The hour hand has more of a purple tone, whilst the minute hands possesses a brighter thermally blued tone. The dial is signed with the Longines name below 12, with the in-set sub-second register at 6 O’clock. It has the textured concentric circles radiating from the centre, with a railroad track and matching dash markers. The sub-second hand is original with the thermally blued finish, which now resembles a purple tone. It has the lollipop counterbalance with the tapered tip. With age the silver and off-white tone of the dial have both darkened evenly. The central section of the dial has the speckled patination associated with ageing. A pleasing, natural part of the ageing process.
The case is of classic, compact proportions, measuring 30mm wide, increasing to 32.85mm including the chunky crown. The lug-to-lug length of 37mm adds to the presence on the wrist and the watch sits proudly on the wrist with the depth of 12.25mm. The lug width is an awkward size at 15mm, making strap or bracelet selection slightly harder.
The case is formed of Stainless Steel and is in unpolished condition. It is the reference 3777 with the ‘lunette disque’ (disc bezel). It can be affectionately known by collectors as the ‘disco nuotante’ (swimming disc), due to the combination of the disc bezel design and étanche (waterproof) properties. The design of the disc bezel is undoubtably the standout aspect. A raised disc surrounds the dial, holding the crystal. It has a thin curve to the edge, before a straight fall to the circular section below. The lower section has the same disc form, differentiating it from the lugs. Both have the brushed finish with the polished curve to the edges. The lugs are sturdy and well-proportioned with the curvature and taper. They turn neatly downwards towards the wrist and have the light brushed finish. To the right is the original, chunky waterproof crown which is a joy to use, winding the watch and setting the time. It has a clear coin edge finish for grip.
The Tre Tacche screw back is original and unpolished. It has the clear engraving of the Longines name and watches features ‘Waterproof’ and ‘Non-Magnetic’. The number ‘50’ matches between the case back and rear of lug, with the number ‘1274’. It has a personal engraving to the original owner; ‘S.J. Egerton-Banks, Vigilia, East Cliff, Dover’.
Inside is the Longines calibre 10.68z. It is a 15-jewel manual wind calibre, which has a beat rate of 18,000 BPH and a 41-hour power reserve. It benefits from anti-magnetic properties and is held in place with the original retaining ring. It has the serial number ‘5429284’ which dates it to 1936. The movement has been recently serviced and a testament to Longines quality, has a daily variation of 10 seconds a day.
Dial:
The dial is original and is in good, patinated condition. It has a light speckled patination which is even. The original silver tone has darkened, as has the tone of the outer chapter ring. The signing is clear as are the hour markers. The ‘E’ on the Longines text has a slight mark through it.
Hands:
The hands are original and are in decent patinated condition. They are thermally blued with a bright. They have some corrosion spots and differences in tone due to oxidisation and aging.
Glass:
The acrylic crystal is original. It has a slight fracture at 1 O’clock.
Crown:
The chunky crown is stainless steel and is original, with neat coin edge finish. It is in good condition.
Case:
The case is Stainless Steel and is in good unpolished condition. The case has circular brushed finishing to the bezel, with the polished bevels. It has a light brushing to the top of the lugs. The sides of the case have the brushed finish. There are light marks and nicks associated with age. The lug holes are good and well defined, without wear.
Caseback:
The Tre Tacche screw back is original and unpolished. It is in good condition with clear engraving and light surface scratching. The numbers match between the case back and rear of lug. It has a personal engraving to the original owner.
Strap:
The watch comes on a vintage style, unpadded genuine leather strap, which is comfortable and will fit any wrist size.
Movement:
The movement is a Longines calibre 10.68z. It is a 15-jewel manual wind calibre, which has a beat rate of 18,000 BPH and a 41-hour power reserve.
The movement has been recently serviced. It has a daily variation of 10 seconds a day.
Case Dimensions:
Case width: 30mm
Case width with crown: 32.85mm
Case length: 29.85mm
Case length lug to lug: 37mm
Case Depth: 12.25mm
Lug width: 15mm