Longines "Sympathie" Vogue Ref. 846 5094

Model: Longines "Sympathie" Vogue Ref. 846 5094

Year: 1977

Features:

The Link. Wherever you find this Longines online, it’s almost always mislabelled as the Sympathie - a reference to Roger Dubuis’ iconic case shape. But Dubuis introduced the Sympathie in 1995 and the watch on offer today is from the 1970s, so what’s the connection?

The Man. At the beginning of his career, Dubuis worked in the after-sales department at Longines, diligently repairing broken watches for their customers. He later spent over a decade building complications for Patek Phillipe - specifically grand complications like minute repeaters and perpetual calendars. That invaluable experience would eventually give him the confidence to form his own repair shop atelier in the ‘80s, and subsequently his own brand in the ‘90s.

The Myth. And as illustrious as his career became, it’s beyond implausible to suggest that Dubuis designed this iconic case shape for Longines while he worked as a repair technician - not a designer. In fact, it’s far more likely that the opposite is true, and Dubuis wanted to pay tribute to the two companies that gave him his start and shaped his career. 

The Design. I’ve talked at length about what this watch isn’t, so how about what it is - a walking template for the Classic Swiss Dress Watch. Enamel Dial, Small Seconds, Roman Numerals, Feuille Hands, Unique Case Shape, Precious Metal, Thin Lugs, and Manual Wind. With a checklist as thoroughly ticked as that, there’s no need to stretch for tenuous links to Dubuis. The Longines Vogue, as it’s correctly called, is more than capable of standing on its own two feet. 

Specifications:

Condition: In good condition overall. Just serviced. Marks and signs of aging can be seen on across the watch. The Longines stamped crown is silver, rather than the original gold, which means it was either replaced during service or the gold plating has worn away. The leather strap and buckle are original to Longines and from the era, but are presumably not original to this watch. The caseback is stamped to celebrate a Wedding Anniversary to "KH" in 1980.

Scope: No box or papers. 

Movement: Longines Manual Wind

Dimensions:

• Case Width: 30.2mm
• Lug to Lug: 35.9mm
• Case Thickness: 6.2mm
  
• Lug Width: 17.0mm