This is a beautiful example of a 1957 Longines rectangular dress watch, made even more special by its original presentation box and an extraordinary piece of Canadian corporate history engraved directly into the caseback. The combination of the original Longines packaging, matching-period movement and personalized presentation makes this a particularly fascinating vintage Longines.
Measuring 25.3mm wide, 40.1mm lug-to-lug and just 8.1mm thick, the watch has the elegant, elongated proportions associated with mid-century rectangular dress watches. Its slim profile allows it to sit beautifully flat on the wrist, while the stepped rectangular case gives it a distinctly formal appearance.
The caseback carries the engraving: “J.D. Berthel / En Appréciation de / 25 Années d'Association / 1933–1958 / Ford du Canada / R.M. Sale – Président.” This indicates that the watch was presented to J.D. Berthel in recognition of 25 years of association with Ford of Canada. The reference to R.M. Sale adds another fascinating connection to Canadian automotive history, as Rhys Manly Sale served as President of Ford of Canada from 1950 to 1962.
Inside is the 17-jewel Longines Calibre 9LT, a rectangular manual-winding movement designed specifically for watches of this style. The movement incorporates shock protection and a subsidiary seconds display at 6 o'clock, while the characteristic Longines finishing gives it the quality expected from the manufacturer during this period.
The movement serial number 10,435,267 places production in 1957, providing an excellent match between the movement, the watch's design and its corporate presentation history. Longines' extensive production records are particularly useful for dating watches from this era, and the serial number gives this example a remarkably specific place in the company's history.
Adding to the appeal is the original Longines presentation box, complete with its red and gold velvet interior and historical Longines medal graphics. The period Longines-Wittnauer advertising material used alongside the watch further reinforces the mid-century setting, creating a fantastic presentation of what a corporate Longines gift could have looked like at the time.
This is far more than simply a vintage rectangular dress watch. Between the 1957-dated Longines movement, Calibre 9LT, original presentation box and personalized Ford of Canada engraving, it offers a rare combination of horological and Canadian corporate history in one beautifully preserved package.
This is a beautiful example of a 1957 Longines rectangular dress watch, made even more special by its original presentation box and an extraordinary piece of Canadian corporate history engraved directly into the caseback. The combination of the original Longines packaging, matching-period movement and personalized presentation makes this a particularly fascinating vintage Longines.
Measuring 25.3mm wide, 40.1mm lug-to-lug and just 8.1mm thick, the watch has the elegant, elongated proportions associated with mid-century rectangular dress watches. Its slim profile allows it to sit beautifully flat on the wrist, while the stepped rectangular case gives it a distinctly formal appearance.
The caseback carries the engraving: “J.D. Berthel / En Appréciation de / 25 Années d'Association / 1933–1958 / Ford du Canada / R.M. Sale – Président.” This indicates that the watch was presented to J.D. Berthel in recognition of 25 years of association with Ford of Canada. The reference to R.M. Sale adds another fascinating connection to Canadian automotive history, as Rhys Manly Sale served as President of Ford of Canada from 1950 to 1962.
Inside is the 17-jewel Longines Calibre 9LT, a rectangular manual-winding movement designed specifically for watches of this style. The movement incorporates shock protection and a subsidiary seconds display at 6 o'clock, while the characteristic Longines finishing gives it the quality expected from the manufacturer during this period.
The movement serial number 10,435,267 places production in 1957, providing an excellent match between the movement, the watch's design and its corporate presentation history. Longines' extensive production records are particularly useful for dating watches from this era, and the serial number gives this example a remarkably specific place in the company's history.
Adding to the appeal is the original Longines presentation box, complete with its red and gold velvet interior and historical Longines medal graphics. The period Longines-Wittnauer advertising material used alongside the watch further reinforces the mid-century setting, creating a fantastic presentation of what a corporate Longines gift could have looked like at the time.
This is far more than simply a vintage rectangular dress watch. Between the 1957-dated Longines movement, Calibre 9LT, original presentation box and personalized Ford of Canada engraving, it offers a rare combination of horological and Canadian corporate history in one beautifully preserved package.