{"product_id":"longines-art-deco-tank-ref-mz5712-champagne-dial-circa-1980s","title":"Longines Art Deco Tank Ref. MZ5712 'Champagne Dial' (Circa 1980s)","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;\"\u003eWHY WE CURATED IT:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThere is something particularly charming about the way Longines approached the rectangular dress watch in the 1980s. Rather than simply reproducing the Tank watches of earlier decades, the Ref. MZ5712 takes the familiar proportions of the form and gives them a distinctly period interpretation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMeasuring 23.5mm x 33.3mm, its elongated case has the restrained geometry associated with the rectangular dress watch, but the details make it unmistakably of its time. The champagne dial is sober and clean, with a subtle crosshatch texture that adds depth without disturbing the simplicity of the layout. It is elegant without being overly formal, and detailed without ever becoming busy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe bracelet, however, is where the watch really comes into its own. Rather than treating it as an afterthought, Longines made it an important part of the design. The integrated construction flows directly from the case, while the multiple rows and ribbed surfaces continue its geometry around the wrist. The effect is almost jewellery-like, giving the watch considerably more presence than its restrained dial might suggest.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThat contrast is what I find most appealing about the Ref. MZ5712. The dial does very little, while the bracelet does almost everything. Yet the two never compete. The restraint of the dial allows the bracelet to carry the visual drama, while the elaborate construction gives an otherwise simple watch much of its character.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is also a good example of why watches from this period deserve more attention. The 1980s occupy an awkward place in vintage collecting, sitting between the romance of earlier mechanical watches and the modern era of quartz. But that transitional period produced some wonderfully unconventional designs. Case shapes became more adventurous, proportions changed and bracelets were often treated as an integral part of the watch rather than simply something attached to it.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInside is Longines Cal. L963.2, a quartz movement that reflects that same transition. There is naturally less mechanical romance here than with an older Longines, but that is almost beside the point. The Ref. MZ5712 was not an old fashioned mechanical design adapted to quartz technology. It was conceived during a period when quartz was changing what a dress watch could look like, and the watch feels much more interesting when viewed in that context.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere is also something about wearing it that is difficult to quantify. Perhaps it is the elongated proportions, perhaps it is the bracelet, but it has a slightly theatrical quality that makes you feel rather more dressed up than you might expect from such a small watch. During my time with it, I found myself imagining it on the wrist of a gentleman or distinguished lady from another era. It is a slightly silly thought, perhaps, but the watch genuinely has that effect.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUltimately, the Ref. MZ5712 is interesting precisely because it does not try to hide its era. It is a distinctly 1980s interpretation of the rectangular dress watch, pairing an understated dial with an unusually elaborate bracelet. Decades later, that combination still works, largely because Longines committed so fully to the design.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCONDITION:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e8\/10. The watch remains in excellent overall condition, with visible signs of wear throughout the case and bracelet consistent with previous use. The dial remains clean and legible, with its original textures well preserved.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe gold-plated case and bracelet have developed an even, warm patina over time, which adds very well to the watch’s vintage character.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe original sticker remains attached to the caseback, as shown in the listing photographs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Longines Cal. L963.2 quartz movement is running well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOffered as watch only.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDIMENSIONS:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e23.5mm diameter excl. crown\u003cbr\u003e33.3mm length incl. integrated lugs\u003cbr\u003e5.2mm thickness\u003cbr\u003eWrist in photos is 16cm\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCRYSTAL:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMineral glass\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCASE:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSteel, gold-plated\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWATER RESISTANCE:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAssumed none, as per vintage watches\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBRACELET:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLongines multilink integrated gold-plated bracelet (links fit max 17.5cm wrists) \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCALIBRE:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLongines Cal. L963.2, quartz\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCOMES WITH:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWatch only\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTERMS OF SALE:\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePlease read our “Terms of service” below. Thanks!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Next Vintage","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45495905484823,"sku":null,"price":3750.0,"currency_code":"MYR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0790\/2593\/0263\/files\/IMG_0886.jpg?v=1788934532","url":"https:\/\/www.nextvintage.com.my\/products\/longines-art-deco-tank-ref-mz5712-champagne-dial-circa-1980s","provider":"Next Vintage","version":"1.0","type":"link"}