Horological Meandering

Yes, yes, my absolute grail is not a vintage Patek or Vacheron, it is a vintage Longines, and especially this 6111 2 aka Big Eleven. 44 mm steel case, screwed case back, Cal 14.68 N ( I believe ), issued to the english army, much after the second WW. Grea...  

Very interesting. These aged watches have their own unique beauty, something that cannot be replicated in a new piece.

I'm sure that Longines will do this and more, based on their past terrible performance. The problem, according to my sources, is that the regular customers complain when the watch don't carry a date. My favorite boutique managers, from Omega, said that ma... 

and Datograph and Nautilus and Royal Oak ;-)

One of mine as well. Second hand a replacement on that one; but I could live with it....

But was just wandering what drew you so strongly to this one to make it your absolute grail?

Does the seller need some gentle Balkan style persuasion to part with it in your flavour?

Who will torture the numbers until they confess

\'This is not the Longines that belongs to you!\' (OK, only approximate paraphrasing)

Still I am puzzled by your placing it at the top of the pyramid. Your choice spurred me on to think of my own "hit parade". This reference, as nice as it is only comes in 15th position in my personal favourites of the (llet alone) vintage Longines. Such i... 

Are pocket watch movements encased in a wrist watch... So, no go for me... I would rate this Big Eleven above the Big Weems. And if I had to choose between a 13 ZN, even mushroom pushers, and this one, the Big Eleven would win. For me,at least. There is n... 

In my Longines grail hierarchy, I would place the Big Indian on par with a 13zn umbrella, though I'd be tempted to put the 1st, rarer 6111-1 slightly higher. Atop these, however, there is another. This one: ...  

Hi Nicolas, I could fumble for a proper explanation and history or filch from Sotheby's from a cased example.... "Longines developed the Siderograph to satisfy the increasing need for accurate aeronautical night navigation during the 1930s. Existing syste... 

Hello, Nicolas, while I absolutely second your choice of a "simple" watch - while I love complicated pieces at the same time - I disagree with your "rule" about movement choice. While it may sound like a "pure" way to look at it - one should also consider... 

If my memory serves me well, it is a Cal 30L inside, and if I didn't make a confusion, it seems that the movement didn't come in or with this watch. What do you think? Best, Nicolas ...  

Hi Nicolas, I've to smile when I see this one - If I may ask, where did you get this picture from? Best regards Suitbert

Completely agree with you Suitbert. I think the first Patek 96 (with small second at 9 for example and some two hands) have Pocket watch caliber dating back 20 years before they were encased, and these tiny watches are to die for imho Best Francois

I believe this watch is refered to as the "Big Indian". ...  

Yes.... it is mine ... I have both the 6111-1 and the 6111-2. Although I like the look of these watches I'm not a big fan of wearing them as the case is very doesnt fit my wrist. I dont post here very much anymore as I cant seem to work out the site sinc... 

..Specifically like that multistep bezel/uper case type. Thx for this very interesting share & informative thread ! Best, hs

Here is a few, Nicolas, that I would personally place above the ref 6111 in my Longines pantheon. I must say that the choice of the picture that illustrate your point is a bit unfortunate. As pointed out, wrong second hands, mismatch of case back/ lug num... 

Agreed on some of your refs... The Siderograph,but with only 4 pieces in the world, let's say that the chances are close to zero to get one. And the Cal 360. For the rest, well, to each his own ears. No doubt they are wonderful, but the Big 11 sings loude... 

It Is an amazing watch and it would perfectly suit your love for Military watch with striking presence like the FF. A photo from a friend in a previous GTG, it , I was impressed by its size, the wide bezel. I'm not a military watch guy but I can't help lo...  

...above us there is the Godfather that knows everyone and make them meet but, shush this one is secret :p

I like the red tipped seconds hand and indexes. Nice Nicolas! -- Richard.

I am spending a lot of time trying to find some nice refs, in the vintage Longines universe. There are a lot of hidden marvels. And from time to time I share them here. Best, my friend. Nicolas

Have not seen this one before.

Why is it called Big Eleven?

..the "Big Indian", as these watches (6111-2) were originally delivered to India. Or so the story goes; Aradi in Odisha. But NOT to the "English Army". As they weren't there when this watch was made. ;-)