1940’s French Navy Marine Nationale Issued Longines Fab Suisse

Here we have a wonderful little Longines watch that was originally issued to the French Navy – the ‘Marine Nationale’ – in the 1940’s.

The case has the military markings MN for Marine Nationale and also the issue number in 3 places that all match – on the case back, on the back of one of the lugs and inside the case back.

The watch has a wonderful golden yellow dial with black lume free hands and is marked Longines Fab Suisse as it should be.

These watches were high quality at the time of production as would be expected of a military issued piece and had the the famed Longines manual wind 17 jewel 12.68N modified movement with sweeping second hand, modified shock and a 40 hour power reserve. They were stainless steel, had ‘unbreakable’ glass and waterproof with a screw down case back.

This watch is in great condition for its age with full case and beautiful dial and the serviced movement is keeping good time.

Typically of the 40’s watches these are smaller than current day watches but wear nicely on a nato strap and are certainly something a little different and unique. The chance of you seeing anyone else wearing one are slim to zero!