Niëllo Zilveren Longines Horloge

Longines  
Zilver/niëllo 800 
1915  
Mechanisch handopwind   
Uurwerk kal. 9.35  
17 jewels  
Swiss made   
± 22 x 22 mm 

A little silver number with plenty of character. This scrumptious little cushion-shaped Longines in niëllo silver comes complete with its original bracelet, and frankly, it has been dressing for dinner for rather a long time. The serial number 3280922 dates this beauty to 1915, placing it firmly in the golden age of wristwatches, when wristwear was still a rather daring idea. The case and bracelet are both made of niëllo silver, with fixed wire lugs. The case features elegant striped niëllo decoration, while the bracelet sports a wonderfully graphic Greek key pattern. Even the closures have a playful touch, snapping securely shut with considerably more confidence than their dainty appearance might suggest. The bracelet carries Dutch import/duty marks on the outside of the clasp. One bears the number 2, indicating the weight, while the other is a capital “V” on a striped background, denoting imported silver. The original 800 silver mark can be found on the inside of the bracelet. Turn the watch over and things get even more interesting. The inside of the case back is stamped Swiss, accompanied by the Wood Grouse/Capercaillie, 0.800 silver, and the initials AML — referring to A. Maeder-Leschot, the well-known Swiss case manufacturer based in Biel/Bienne. And then there are the Half Moon and Imperial Crown marks. They may look decidedly German at first glance, but appearances can be deceptive: these are, in fact, Swiss markings. A little horological red herring. The dial is finished in a wonderfully understated matte gold-beige, with its original indexes and numerals remarkably intact. The blued-steel hands add just the right flash of color, while the original crown is delightfully fine, flat, and tactile, with a surprisingly good grip for something so petite. The original bracelet expands quite easily, although it does know its limits. It will accommodate a wrist of approximately 15 cm.
A charming piece of early Longines: decorative without being fussy, wonderfully preserved, and carrying just enough mystery in its hallmarks to keep the conversation going. A century old, beautifully silver, and still rather pleased with itself.