Longines Diver Chronograph 7981-1 Big Eye Tropical

early MK1 execution - Tropical dial - Flyback chronograph

Longines Diver Chronograph 7981-1 Big Eye Tropical - legendary Diver's Chronograph with tropical dial
legendary Diver's Chronograph with tropical dial
Big Eye - the big chrono minute counter
tropical burgundy bezel with hour and minute numerals
beautifully aged hour markers
over 50 years old dial in impressive condition
white inner ring with tachymeter scale
case in great, honest condition
Longines signed crown and pushers
case back cover signed with reference number 7981-1
screw-down case back
movement calibre 30CH by Longines
die Werksnummer 139xxxxx
feuille hand (leaf hand), correct for the MK1 execution
small second sub dial

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Description
This is the first execution of the legendary Longines Diver Chronograph 7981. Besides many interesting features, this diving watch has a beautiful tropical dial. That makes this vintage watch absolute unique. The legendary vintage Diver Chronograph from the 1960s charms with its design and technology. It was one of the first sporty watches from Longines and should stand out from its elegant predecessor models and thus step into a new era.

This particular chronograph dates back to 1966 and has been rarely worn according to its age. The natural signs of wear on the case and the bezel make this Longines very honest and authentic. The tropical dial and burgundy bezel award the watch a unique vintage look. The minute counter of the chronograph is larger than the seconds sub dial. That's why this watch is called "Big Eye". The hand of the chronograph minute counter has the elegant leaf shape (French: feuille). Only the MK1 reference 7981-1 has this kind of hand.

Another cool detail is the white inner ring with the tachymeter scale. The hour markers have a long, thin, rectangular shape. The luminous material (tritium) shows natural patina, which perfectly matches the overall appearance of the watch. The hour and minute hands have thin luminous mass inserts. The later versions 7981-2 and 7981-3 have thicker inserts.

Technically, this chronograph has a lot to offer. The 30CH movement from Longines is equipped with a flyback mechanism, which was an absolute specialty for wristwatches back then.

This vintage Longines Diver Chronograph 7981-1 is rare, soght-after watch und thus very collectable. The tropical dial sets it additionally above the rest.

Serial number: 13.9xx.xxx
Features

Manufacturer: Longines

Model: Diver Chronograph

Reference: 7981-1

Functions: chronograph - small running second - screwed-on caseback

Intricacies: Flyback chronograph

Material: Stainless steel

Dial: black/white

Watch glass: acrylic crystal

Bracelet: stainless steel

Type of clasp: deployant buckle

Diameter: 40mm

Caliber name: Longines 30CH

Movement type: manual wound

Year of Manufacture: 1966

Overall condition: 8 - worn regularly - light signs of wear

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