This 1995 Longines Présence, reference L4.197.2, is a compact gold-plated quartz dress watch with white Roman-numeral dial and date aperture. It is offered with its original set and combines Longines’ slim 1990s formal styling with a straightforward Swiss quartz movement.
Why It’s Special
The Présence line represents Longines’ classical dress-watch approach: restrained proportions, traditional numerals and unfussy everyday usability. This example is particularly appealing as a surviving 1990s full set, with the original box and documentation preserving context that is frequently lost from dress watches of the period. It is a quiet, well-resolved alternative to more conspicuous jewellery watches.
Condition
Original white dial remains clean and evenly coloured, with no visible moisture damage, spotting, or signs of refinish. Printed Roman numerals and minute markers are crisp, and the date window is correctly aligned. Hands appear original and consistent in tone, free from corrosion. The gold-plated case shows honest wear consistent with age, including visible thinning along lug edges and case flanks; no signs of aggressive polishing. Stainless steel case-back retains factory brushing with light surface marks only. Sapphire crystal is clean with no visible chips or cracks. Original Longines leather strap shows significant wear consistent with mid-1990s use, paired with a genuine Longines gold-plated buckle showing matching wear. Inner box displays staining consistent with age.
Performance
Quartz movement running correctly.
Details
Reference: L4.197.2 Movement: Longines quartz Serial: 28671915 (1995) Case: 23 mm gold-plated case with stainless steel case-back Crystal: Sapphire Strap: Genuine Longines leather strap with gold-plated Longines buckle Inclusions: Full set – inner box, outer box, papers and manuals Provenance: Sourced from Japan and inspected in Melbourne
