SPECIFICATIONS
Rare Longines – West End Watch Co. with steel case awarded to C.S.I., Longines 10.68Z manual winding movement from 40s.
Steel case measuring 31mm
Lug-to-lug measuring 38mm
Original crown
Longines 10.68Z movement inside
ANALYSIS
This rare watch was produced by Longines for their primary distribution agent in India: West End Watch Co. They had a monopoly on the Indian market with a large and widespread distribution network and introduced many watches produced by many important Maisons such as Mido into the country.
This particular Longines was destined for the British Civil Service stationed in India. In fact, in the center of the case back, under the WEWCo logo, there is the designation “C.S.(I).”, which specifies that this watch was ordered by the British Army and issued to a Civil Service officer (most likely a Diplomatic Agent) who operated in Indian territory.
The light dial of this fantastic watch therefore bears the double signature West End Watch Co in the shape of an arch and pad printed in black that overlooks the Longines writing which is instead red and straight. The track minute track and the Arabic numerals at the hours are in black pad; the same goes for the large seconds dial that stands out at 6 o’clock. The hands are flame-blued leaf-shaped.
The 32mm steel case is two-part and has a robust and solid appearance. The 6-notch screw case back guaranteed its water resistance. Note that the number 200 placed under the reference on the outer caseback (identification of the production batch) matches the same number placed under a lug.
The movement that powers this spectacular and rare watch is the beautiful 10.68Z produced by Longines from the second half of the 1940s, and which will later take the name of 10L.
