Expert: Melvin Mills - 12/8/2011

Question
I have  Longines watch which was handed down to me. Only identification markings I truly see are on the back of the casing which says Longines/Latin W.C. Co/LT-1024-Q163CS then a number handwritten in marker which looks like J208 (hard to make out). Then on the movement all I can see is another marking inside which matches the 'Longines/Q 163 CS'. I cannot see a serial # with the naked eye and I know most Longines have these marked. Is this a true Longines or a knock off? Thanks.

Answer
Phil

It would depend on the age. Older watches did not have serial numbers. The fact that it does not have a serial number would not concern me regarding its authenticity.

That aside, I haven't heard of a counterfeit longines before. It doesn't mean they don't exist but typically when someone is going to counterfeit an item, it is because it is a high net worth item and or a status symbol. Although longines makes beautiful timepieces, it's not easily classified as a status symbol and generally not high net worth.

Kind regards

Melvin